Long-standing accusations of corruption in the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the world soccer governing body, have picked up traction lately, forcing two top officials in the organization to step aside in light of accusations that they offered $40,000 bribes to two dozen officials in an attempt to buy their votes for the presidency.

According to The New York Times, the accusations come from a high-ranking American against the officials, who hail from Qatar and Trinidad and Tobago.

FIFA’s alleged atmosphere of widespread rule-breaking were highlighted in Qatar’s stunning awarding of the 2022 World Cup, which was plagued by rumblings of vote-selling. Eight of FIFA’s 24 executive committee members were accused of selling or attempting to sell votes for that World Cup, as well as the 2018 event that went to Russia. Two officials have been suspended, but four have been cleared.

Said the FIFA general secretary: “It’s sad. Definitely there is a need for change.”

Two FIFA Officials Are Suspended; Chief Is Cleared [The New York Times]

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