FIFA whistleblower Chuck Blazer dies aged 72
Written by News on 14/07/2017
Disgraced US football official Chuck Blazer, who turned whistleblower and gave evidence to the FBI on a major corruption inquiry in the sport, has died aged 72.
The former FIFA executive committee member pleaded guilty in an American court to bribery and financial offences in November 2013.
He said at the time that he had rectal cancer, diabetes and coronary artery disease.
Blazer was never jailed as the investigation continued but was banned from football activity for life by the sport’s world governing body in July 2015.
The ban was announced by FIFA’s ethics committee for his "many acts of misconduct" at FIFA and as general secretary of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
Blazer said he and others on the FIFA executive committee took bribes for South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup.
His admissions of corruption set off a global scandal that ultimately toppled FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2015.
The New York Times said Blazer died of rectal cancer.
His lawyers, Eric Corngold and Mary Mulligan, issued a statement which did not provide details or the circumstances of his death.
They said: "We are truly saddened by the passing of our client and friend, Chuck Blazer.
"His misconduct, for which he accepted full responsibility, should not obscure Chuck’s positive impact on international soccer.
"With Chuck’s guidance and leadership, CONCACAF transformed itself from impoverished to profitable, with substantial benefits and improvements to all member associations, players and fans."
The statement added that Blazer regretted his behaviour.
It said he "accepted responsibility for his own conduct by pleading guilty and owning up to his mistakes. Chuck felt profound sorrow and regret for his actions".
It went on: "He expressed sincere remorse towards his former constituents and colleagues, and to all of the soccer players and fans disappointed by his conduct."
(c) Sky News 2017: FIFA whistleblower Chuck Blazer dies aged 72
