The US Attorney General Loretta Lynch has strongly suggested that a further wave of arrests in relation to the FIFA corruption scandal could come about.
Lynch was speaking in Zurich at press conference organised by the International Association of Prosecutors updating the world on the investigation by US authorities alongside Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
In May, 14 senior FIFA-linked officials were arrested in Zurich and Lynch that day revealed details of the fraud, conspiracy and corruption charges against the charged men just days before Sepp Blatter was re-elected as FIFA president.
However, the impact of the scandal played a decisive role in his decision, only four days later, to announce his intention to stand down. A new president will be elected at an extraordinary congress on February 26.
Lynch said: “In the four months since May our work and the investigation has continued. Thirteen of the 14 defendants have been arrested either by us or by other authorities. Three have been arraigned in a federal court in Brooklyn; 10 others are pending extradition in Switzerland and three other countries.
“Our investigation is ongoing and has expanded since May. On the basis of new evidence we anticipate pursuing additional charges against individuals and entities.”
Lynch refused to comment on whether Blatter was one of those who could be charged in the future and extradited.
She said: “I have no comment on individuals who may or may not be subject to the next round of arrests so I cannot give you any information about Mr Blatter’s travel plans.”
However, she did have a stern warning about the need for urgent reform in the sport.
“The problem of corruption in soccer is global and we will remain vigilant,” Lynch said. “One hallmark has guided our work: all individuals involved in soccer, this beloved sport through which we teach sportsmanship, integrity and fair play, must be committed to reform and compliance with the rule of law.
“To anyone who seeks to live in the past, this global response sends a clear message: You are on the wrong side of progress and do a disservice to the integrity of this wonderful sport.”
Lauber confirmed that as part of the Swiss authorities investigation, which is not directly linked to the US one, assets had been seized including real estate in the Swiss Alps.
However, he would not reveal who they belonged to for “tactical reasons”.
Lauber also revealed that around 11 terabytes of data had been collected.
The investigations continue.