Swiss police reportedly seize FIFA data related to World Cup bids
Swiss authorities have seized technical data related to bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, according to the BBC.
FIFA handed over technical data to Swiss authorities investigating the bidding processes behind the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, multiple sources reported.
According to the Associated Press, FIFA complied Wednesday to a request by the Swiss attorney general’s office, or OAG, for technology data related to the bids. In a statement provided to news organizations, the Swiss attorney general’s office confirmed the data seizure: “FIFA handed over today seized IT data to the OAG.... The OAG has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown.”
The BBC reported data was taken from the offices of FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
FIFA told the BBC it fully cooperated with the request.
Last month, Swiss authorities announced they were investigating alleged improprieties related to the awarding of the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. The probe was revealed on the same day the U.S. Justice Department indicted 14 individuals connected to FIFA on corruption charges.
On Monday, FIFA issued a statement saying it cannot legally strip World Cup hosting rights from Russia and Qatar.
Earlier Wednesday, FIFA announced it is delaying the bidding for the 2026 World Cup.
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