x
x
x
x

Tue, July 28, 2020

Switzerland’s attorney general resigns over cover up of FIFA meeting during corruption investigation

Switzerland’s attorney general resigns over cover up of FIFA meeting during corruption investigation

Switzerland’s attorney general, Michael Lauber, has resigned after it was found that he had covered up a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during an ongoing corruption investigation.

Lauber, who had been the Swiss attorney general and federal prosecutor, initially denied the allegations that he lied in order to cover up secret, un-recorded meetings he held with Infantino whilst there was an ongoing investigation into FIFA corruption. Lauber has now stepped down after the supervisory body that oversees his position said he had “seriously violated his official and legal duties” and his actions had “damaged the reputation of the Office of the Federal Prosecutor of Switzerland.”

Lauber later admitted to two meetings with Infantino but still denied a third taking place but did say that it must have occurred based on diary entries and text messages. Lauber has received criticism from different groups who believe that he was making slow progress in corruption cases or making deals which were outside of the Swiss legal process. One of the largest details that called Lauber’s conduct into question were trips to Moscow by personnel from him office and his own relationships with senior Russian officials.

Mr Lauber offered his resignation as it was impossible to continue in his role whilst his trustworthiness was being frequently questioned. The conduct of Lauber has posed many questions regarding the federal prosecutor’s office with Parliament considering reforms or even limiting the powers of the position.

Infantino denies any wrong doing with corruption investigations into FIFA individuals ongoing.

Share

Recent News Articles

Fri, June 02, 2023

More than two dozen Canadian sporting organisations call on Trudeau to launch a national inquiry

More than two dozen Canadian sporting organisations and activist groups have called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to launch a national inquiry into the toxic culture of abuse in sport in the country. 

Read More

Wed, May 31, 2023

FA plans to dock points for incidents of abuse or discrimination in grassroots football

The Football Association (FA) has announced plans to dock grassroots clubs points if there are any incidents of abuse or discrimination. 

Read More

Tue, May 30, 2023

UK Anti-Doping v Nicky Watt

A decision in the case of UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) against Nicky Watt has been issued by the National Anti-Doping Panel

Read More