One of the leading figures in the FIFA corruption scandal has threatened to hand over documents allegedly containing “financial transactions” with Sepp Blatter, the resigning president of the organization.
Former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner alleged that the documents – which he compared to an “avalanche” – also linked the football association to the 2010 general election in his native Trinidad and Tobago.
Warner said he had given the “comprehensive and detailed set of documents, including checks and certified statements” to third parties, claiming, “I am reasonably genuinely afraid for my life.”
He added, “Withdrawing them is not an option; there is no going back.”
In an eight-minute paid political ad titled “The Gloves Are Off,” Warner compared himself to a “lone soldier” and quoted Mahatma Gandhi.
He is charged, among other things, with extortion, wire transfer fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The Justice Department also announced last week that Warner’s sons, Daryll and Daryan, pleaded guilty in 2013 to charges including wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies.
Blatter was not named in the DOJ’s 160-page indictment, but announced on Tuesday that it would step down on the allegations.
Warner was released on bail last week after his arrest and the US is trying to extradite him to face indictment in America. On Wednesday, Interpol issued so-called “red notices” for Warner and five other people accused by the DOJ of being involved in the huge corruption network.
Warner, Blatter’s former deputy, said the documents contained his “knowledge of financial transactions at FIFA, including but not limited to its President, Mr. Sepp Blatter”.
He said they also detailed “the link between FIFA, its funding and me … and the People’s Partnership Government” [ruling coalition] in the 2010 Bundestag election. “
Warner added, “I will have no more secrets for those who are actively trying to destroy the country.”
Warner was re-elected in the 2010 election and served as Minister of Government in Trinidad and Tobago until he resigned in April 2013 to form the Independent Liberal Party.
At a political rally held half an hour after the address, Warner added, “Even death will not stop the coming avalanche,” according to The Associated Press. “Blatter knows why he fell. And if anyone else knows, I will, ”he said.
His testimony comes hours after details of a deal between the American Chuck Blazer and US officials emerged. Blazer, who previously served as a senior FIFA official, admitted taking bribes in connection with the 1998 and 2010 World Cups.
The Associated Press helped.
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