San Juan, May 28 (IANS) Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner declared himself “innocent of any charges” after Swiss and US authorities accused him of corruption.
“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges,” the Trinidadian said in a statement, noting that he resigned from FIFA more than four years ago, reports Efe.
The politician and businessman is one of 14 sports executives named in indictments issued on Wednesday.
Warner, 72, said he has “walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.”
News of the corruption probes came just two days before FIFA was set to meet in Zurich to elect the organisation’s president.
Incumbent Sepp Blatter, who has led the organisation since 1998, is seeking a fifth term against Jordanian Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, currently FIFA vice president.