FIFA is starting to admit some of the corruption within the organization that has been assumed for months. As investigations continue on several allegations, the organization is admitting to at least one thing and asking for help in the process. FIFA submitted documents on Tuesday to the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York admitting to taking bribes for votes in World Cup hosting bids while requesting more than $190 million in restitutions.
The corruption of FIFA has been known, but the organization has failed to own up to anything until Tuesday when they submitted the 22-page document. Soccer and marketing officials have already forfeited money in the corruption case, and FIFA now wants that money back.
"The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.
FIFA is now calling itself the victim in this case, which is why it wants money back. The organization claims in the document to be a victim of a culture embedded deep within the organization that included bribe-taking. That culture forced Joao Havelange and Sepp Blatter out of their presidencies. FIFA made it clear in the documents that they want the bribe money back in order to put it towards its original use.
"These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewelry and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives. When FIFA recovers this money, it will be directed back to its original purpose: for the benefit and development of international football," Infantino said.
FIFA has several requests in these documents that were submitted. Sources report that the organization is requesting money to pay for legal bills, money for damaged reputations, $10 million for the theft of money and $28.2 million for years of expenses. This is a change in strategy for FIFA, which was trying to distance itself from the scandal while attempting to blame other organizations. However, it is now trying to earn something back. It is unclear just how much influence this document will have on the ongoing investigation, but it adds another fold to the drama.
