December 20 – FIFA has imposed a life ban on a former member of both its Ethics and Disciplinary Committees, who at one time helped judge the wrongdoing of others, for himself taking bribes.
One-time Panamanian FA leader Ariel Alvarado received at least $230,000 in bribes linked to marketing deals for World Cup qualifying games and the Gold Cup from 2009 to 2011, even while he was a member of the ethics committee.
Alvarado, also a former member of Concacaf’s executive committee, was charged with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies linked to the FifaGate scandal though has yet to appear in an American court – unlike several others who have received jail terms.
FIFA’s investigation used evidence “related to the jury trial that was held in the United States” two years ago, its written verdict stated. The probe looked into bribery schemes between 2009 and 2011 in relation to matches organised by the Panamanian FA as well as CONCACAF media and marketing rights.
Alvarado was also fined CHF 500,000.
“In order to have a sanctioning and a preventive effect, the fine should be higher than the benefit Mr. Alvarado obtained, as otherwise it would only amount to a reclaiming of the respective benefit,” the FIFA judges said.
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