FIFA Exec Being Investigated For Disappearance Of Haiti Earthquake Money

Lots of drama surrounding FIFA execs these days. Today we set out sights on former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, who’s being investigated for the disappearance of  $750,000 that was raised by FIFA in 2010 and meant to be used to aide earthquake victims in Haiti. Needless to say, the money never made it to Haiti and instead, were diverted to bank accounts controlled by Jack Warner. 

Via The Guardian

In papers drawn up by US investigators and seen by the BBC, Warner is accused of diverting US$750,000 in emergency funds donated by Fifa and the Korean Football Association intended for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

The BBC reports US investigators alleging the money went to accounts controlled by Warner, at “Warner’s direction” for his “personal use”.

Warner was arrested last month in Trinidad at the request of US authorities, and faces extradition on charges of corruption and money laundering.

In 2012, the Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) claimed that funds donated for Haiti were paid into a bank account controlled by Warner. It said the money from Fifa ($250,000) and the South Korean FA ($500,000) was paid into a TTFF account it claimed only Warner – a special adviser to the federation – controlled.

At the time, Warner said the allegations were a conspiracy: “I have nothing to answer to anybody. Who wants to make allegations, make allegations.” Fifa froze its funding to the TTFF.

Warner has continued to deny any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Frank Lowy, president of Football Federation Australia (FFA), has said he would welcome an inquiry into a AU$500,000 payment made as part of Australia’s failed bid to host the 2022 World Cup bid. That money, too, is alleged to have ended up in a bank account belonging to Warner.