Warner pleads innocence after US indictment

After being indicted over allegations of corruption, former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has protested his innocence.

Warner was named by the US Department of Justice in a list of 14 people indicted for alleged corruption, following raids in Zurich on Wednesday.

A number of FIFA officials were arrested in Switzerland, with allegations centering on the “acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day”. 

However, Trinidadian politician Warner, who left FIFA in 2011, refuted any suggestion of wrongdoing following his and CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb’s indictments for “racketeering and bribery offences”.

“The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit FIFA and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation,” read a statement.

“I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.

“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die. 

“The actions of FIFA no longer concern me. I cannot help but note however that these cross- border coordinated actions come at a time when FIFA is assembled for elections to select a President who is universally disliked by the international community.

“At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business. 

“That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”