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US asks Paraguay to extradite Fifa official Nicolas Leoz | US asks Paraguay to extradite Fifa official Nicolas Leoz |
(35 minutes later) | |
The United States has asked Paraguay to extradite Nicolas Leoz, the former president of South America's football confederation, Conmebol. | The United States has asked Paraguay to extradite Nicolas Leoz, the former president of South America's football confederation, Conmebol. |
Mr Leoz is one of the main suspects in a huge bribery and money-laundering scandal being investigated by the US Justice Department. | Mr Leoz is one of the main suspects in a huge bribery and money-laundering scandal being investigated by the US Justice Department. |
The former member of Fifa's executive committee is being held under house arrest in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion. | The former member of Fifa's executive committee is being held under house arrest in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion. |
He maintains his innocence. | He maintains his innocence. |
A former president of Conmebol, Mr Leoz was not in Geneva in May when seven Fifa executives were arrested by Swiss police. | A former president of Conmebol, Mr Leoz was not in Geneva in May when seven Fifa executives were arrested by Swiss police. |
But he was subsequently detained by Paraguayan police and has been under house arrest in his home town of Asuncion - the seat of the Conmebol headquarters. | But he was subsequently detained by Paraguayan police and has been under house arrest in his home town of Asuncion - the seat of the Conmebol headquarters. |
Paraguay like other countries in the region launched its own investigation after the US indictments. | Paraguay like other countries in the region launched its own investigation after the US indictments. |
In neighbouring Bolivia where a former Conmebol treasurer has been arrested for corruption, two more football officials have turned themselves in to the police. | In neighbouring Bolivia where a former Conmebol treasurer has been arrested for corruption, two more football officials have turned themselves in to the police. |
At the heart of the US investigation is the sale of football marketing and TV rights and what was done with the revenues. | At the heart of the US investigation is the sale of football marketing and TV rights and what was done with the revenues. |
The scandal has mainly involved officials and businessmen representing the Americas region. | The scandal has mainly involved officials and businessmen representing the Americas region. |
Meanwhile, credit card giant Visa - a major Fifa sponsor - has called for an "independent, third-party commission" to investigate the world football body. | |
"We believe no meaningful reform can be made under Fifa's existing leadership," said Visa chief executive Charlie Scharf. | |
"We view the stewardship of our company, our brand and our clients with the utmost importance and try to hold ourselves to the highest standards," he said. | |
"We seek to partner with those who think and act like us. I don't believe that Fifa is living up to these standards." | |
Another Fifa sponsor, Coca-Cola, made a similar call for an independent investigation last week. |
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