Switzerland approves extradition of Federation Internationale de Football Association vice-president Eugenio Figueredo

Figueredo was one of seven football officials arrested in Zurich in May on United States warrants, two days ahead of the congress of the ruling body FIFA.

“The Federal Office of Justice has approved the extradition of Eugenio Figueredo to the USA”.

He has 30 days to appeal against the decision by the Swiss Federal Office of Justice to allow extradition, the FOJ said in a statement.

Loretta Lynch, attorney general of the USA attends a news conference on soccer related criminal proceedings, in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, September 14, 2015. Officials also allege Figueredo forged medical documents to get USA citizenship.

Switzerland is expected to rule on the remaining five extradition requests by the end of the month.

Figueredo has been the president of the Uruguayan Football Association since 1997 and was formerly FIFA vice-president.

“Figueredo is accused of receiving bribes worth millions of dollars from a Uruguayan sports marketing company in connection with the sale of marketing rights to the Copa America tournaments in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023”, the Swiss ministry said.

Lauber has launched his own investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russian Federation and Qatar, respectively, focusing on whether or not bribes were paid in the bidding process.

“We do anticipate pursuing additional charges against individuals and entities”.