Thursday, March 28, 2024

Copa America 2016 to go ahead despite FIFA arrests, insist US Soccer

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 3 Dec 2015

70 Views

US Soccer confirmed on Thursday that the 2016 Copa America Centenario will go ahead as planned despite the latest arrests in the FIFA corruption scandal.

CONCACAF president Alfredo Hawit and CONMEBOL president Juan Angel Napout were arrested in Zurich prior to the FIFA Executive Committee’s briefing on its plans to implement reform within the organisation.

The US attorney general later confirmed that 16 individuals had been charged with corruption as part of its investigation into football’s governing body.

However, US Soccer has made it clear that the tournament will take place as planned from June 3 to June 26 across 10 American venues, despite Hawit’s arrest, insisting there are “rigorous safeguards” in place despite the turmoil.

Their statement read: “Today’s events involving individual members of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL in no way pierce the integrity of the rigorous safeguards the United States Soccer Federation required before agreeing to host Copa America Centenario that ensure the tournament is organised and conducted in a way that is open, transparent and above reproach.

“The new Executive Committee that was created to govern the tournament does not include these individuals and they were never in a position to make decisions that would adversely impact those high standards.

“As the LOC for the tournament, the United States Soccer Federation remains fully focused on the organisation and operation of Copa America Centenario, and conducting the tournament in the most professional and highly principled manner possible.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top