Swiss Government To Launch Investigation Into FIFA Spending In Burma – Report
By Patrick Devaney
Mar 26, 2011 11:45:00 AM
A probe is set to be launched by the government of Switzerland after FIFA conducted business with a blacklisted person at the head of the Burma Football Federation. Instead of money being directly given to the national football federation, it was awarded to a construction company to complete football projects on behalf of FIFA, according to Swiss news magazine Woz.
The head of the Myanmar Football Federation, President Zaw Zaw had funds allocated to complete football projects in the Burmese nation. However, he is also the founder of construction company Max Myanmar Group and it is believed the funds were diverted to his own private company when they should have been given to the national team’s football federation. It is not yet known whether these funds were misused or not and the investigation is set to clarify any findings.
Being based in Zurich, Switzerland, it is the Swiss government’s choice to investigate these claims that the funds were not used for their purpose. Sanctions could be imposed on the world footballing body.
A statement was released by the Swiss government earlier in light of the allegations: ”We will need to clarify this and contact FIFA.”
The rumours started when Sepp Blatter accepted an invitation from Zaw Zaw to visit his country. Zaw Zaw has been blacklisted by the EU, US and Swiss governments and with Blatter supposedly trying to extinguish corruption in the game, their meeting will only add fuel to the fire of crookedness in the game.
If anyone in FIFA, the Burmese Football Federation or the Max Myanmar Group is found guilty of improper use of these funds, heavy penalties could be imposed by Switzerland. A maximum term of one year in prison as well a $570,000 fine could be levied against anyone found involved if the allegations are proven to be true.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2011/03/26/2412132/swiss-government-to-launch-investigation-into-fifa-spending
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