Swiss banks have reported suspicious activity on the accounts of world football governing body, FIFA, Switzerland’s Attorney-General said on Wednesday.
Federal Prosecutor Michael Lauber said at a press conference in Zurich that banks had reported 53 possible cases of money laundering and his office was also analysing a “huge amount” (nine terabytes) of seized data.
Switzerland is currently investigating how FIFA came to award the World Cups of 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar, respectively.
In a separate investigation led by U.S. authorities, several football officials, including former FIFA executives, have been arrested or faced extradition proceedings on various charges of corruption and conspiracy.
FIFA President, Joseph Blatter, has promised to resign his office in the scandal-hit organisation when an extraordinary general meeting can be held late 2015 or early 2016 to elect a replacement.
Lauber did not exclude interviewing Blatter or FIFA general secretary, Jerome Valcke, during the course of the investigation but warned a resolution was not near.
“We are facing a complex investigation with many international implications.
“The prosecution is ongoing and will take time.
“The world of football needs to be patient – by its nature, this investigation will take more than the legendary ’90 minutes,’’ Lauber said.
