US Formally Asks Switzerland to Extradite FIFA Officials

 
By Alasdair Sandford

The United States has formally asked Switzerland to extradite seven FIFA officials arrested at the end of May in a corruption inquiry.

It is the first stage in what looks set to be a long procedure – up to six months according to Swiss authorities – as those being held had previously indicated that they would oppose extradition.

The Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) said in a news release that the US embassy in Bern submitted the formal requests on Wednesday, in line with a bilateral extradition treaty.

The demand was expected: US authorities had until July 3 to submit a formal request or ask for an extension.

The officials have 14 days to respond. The FOJ says it will rule on extradition within a few weeks after the detainees have been interviewed by the Zurich Cantonal Police – a decision which may then be subject to appeal.

The seven are among 14 people – senior FIFA officials plus figures from other governing bodies connected to the organisation – who were charged by New York judicial authorities with offences including racketeering and bribery following an investigation by the FBI.

Full article available here: FIFA Officials

Source: Euronews