FIFA has filed a legal claim with the United States' Department of Justice for restitution of assets seized by U.S. prosecutors in their investigation in to corruption within world football's governing body.
Ex-CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, former U.S. Soccer executive vice-president Chuck Blazer, Brazilian sports marketing entrepreneur Jose Hawila and former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner are among those who have already pleaded guilty to various charges of financial mismanagement from whom FIFA is seeking restitutions worth "tens of millions of dollars."
A U.S. investigation exposed widespread corruption at the top of world football and FIFA estimates that substantial amounts of money were diverted from the sport illegally through bribery, kickbacks and corrupt schemes carried out by the defendants.
FIFA submitted documents on Wednesday to the US authorities in an effort to reclaim tens of millions of dollars taken illegally by corrupt FIFA members and other football officials
FIFA seeks millions from defendants named in US investigation - https://t.co/nGMgXp0Dqs
- FIFA Media (@fifamedia) March 16, 2016
In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organisations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA, its member associations and the football community. The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes."
FIFA says it is a "victimised institution" and has submitted a request for restitution to the U.S. attorney's office and the U.S. probation office for the Eastern District of New York.
It is claiming damages from 41 former FIFA officials from other football organisations indicted in the ongoing investigation by the US Department of Justice.
FIFA accepts the millions of dollars lost during the corruption scandal is likely to increase as the investigation continues. The U.S. government has already announced forfeiture amounts that should cover FIFA's claims for damages.
"The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organisations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA, its member associations and the football community," Infantino said. "The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game.
"FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes," the statement added.
"These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewellery and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives.
"When FIFA recovers this money, it will be directed back to its original purpose: for the benefit and development of international football."