FIFA's Jeffrey Webb pleads not guilty to corruption charges
Jeffrey Webb, one of the seven FIFA officials arrested in Zurich on corruption charges, pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court.
Webb, 50, made his first appearance stateside in Brooklyn, N.Y. federal court on Saturday, reports Bloomberg. He claimed innocent to U.S. charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering. He allegedly received millions of dollars in the form of bribes and kickbacks for distributing the media rights to various international soccer tournaments.
Webb chose not to resist extradition to the United States, unlike the other arrested officials, which could suggest his potential willingness to cooperate with prosecutors as the investigation continues. Webb, as FIFA vice president and CONCACAF president, worked closely with outgoing FIFA president SeppBlatter as well as ex-CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president Jack Warner, who is currently resisting extradition from Trinidad and Tobago. After his indictment, he received a provisional ban and was replaced as FIFA vice president.
Fox Sports reports Webb was released on $10 million bond following his arraignment in court.
- Jeremy Woo
