US asks Swiss to extradite 7 FIFA officials: government

Switzerland said on Thursday the United States had formally requested the extradition of seven Fifa officials arrested in May in a wide-ranging probe into corruption in football's top body. 

PHOTO: EPA

JUL 2, 20154:41 PM

[GENEVA] Switzerland said on Thursday the United States had formally requested the extradition of seven Fifa officials arrested in May in a wide-ranging probe into corruption in football's top body.

"On July 1, the US embassy in Bern sent Switzerland formal extradition requests, within the timeframe set down in the bilateral extradition treaty," the federal office of justice said in a statement.

The United States had until July 3 to submit the extradition requests.

The seven were arrested in dawn raids at their hotel in Zurich on May 27, the first day of a Fifa Executive Congress.

They are among 14 people from North and South America that US authorities have charged over alleged involvement in more than US$150 million of bribes for football deals.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter has said he would stand down following the allegations but has since indicated he might be a candidate in the new election.

The officials are fighting extradition.

AFP