FIFA’s Sepp Blatter computers confiscated as graft investigations continue

Swiss authorities have seized computer equipment from FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s offices as part of an investigation into corruption in football’s governing body.

Prosecutors took IT data from both Mr Blatter, 79, and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke’s headquarters in the Swiss city of Zurich. This is according to a Sky News report.

“I can confirm that FIFA handed over today seized IT data to the OAG,” said a spokesman for Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

“As already communicated, the OAG has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown.”

FIFA were not immediately available for comment.

Last month, the OAG opened a criminal investigation into alleged corruption over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

Sky News further reported that the seizure of Mr Blatter’s computer records came hours after FIFA postponed the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup.

Bidding had been due to begin shortly, with a vote to choose the host scheduled to be held at the FIFA Congress in May 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Valcke told a news conference: “Due to the situation, I think it’s nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being. It will be postponed.”

He also defended his handling of a USD 10 million payment from South Africa that the FBI alleges was a bribe to award it the 2010 World Cup.

The payment was officially described as a payment from South Africa 2010 World Cup profits to a “diaspora programme” in the Caribbean.

Blatter to resign in 2016

It was authorised by Mr Valcke after he received a letter from the South African Football Association (SAFA) asking FIFA to deduct the money and forward it.

Mr Valcke said: “It was not FIFA’s money. It was a request from official South African authorities and SAFA. As long as it is in line with rules we do it.

“I don’t understand what the problem is and why I am such a target in this question.”

Then, addressing the media during a news conference, he said: “You have decided that after Blatter I am the head to be cut? Fine – but don’t say it is because of this $10m.”

Last week, Mr Blatter announced he would resign as FIFA President. It came days after he was elected for a fifth term.

Russia and Qatar could lose the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups if any evidence of corruption is found.

Domenico Scala, the head of FIFA’s auditing and compliance committee, said the tournaments may be taken away if either country’s selection was “thanks to bribes”.

However, he stressed “this evidence has not been provided” so far.

The FBI has launched a separate investigation into the FIFA scandal.

Seven serving FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland on corruption charges, including Vice-presidents Jeffrey Webb – the current CONCACAF president – and Eugenio Figueredo from Uruguay.

The others are Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel and Jose Maria Marin.

In addition, two former FIFA officials, Jack Warner – the former president of CONCACAF- and Nicolas Leoz, have been indicted.