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FIFA: Timeline of latest events as 14 indicted over corruption

FIFA are in crisis amid corruption charges levelled by both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Swiss government at world football's governing body. Here is a timeline of the latest events as they happened -- all times in BST.

May 27, 6 a.m.: FIFA officials arrested on corruption charges

Swiss authorities arrested several top FIFA officials early on Tuesday morning when more than a dozen plain-clothes Swiss law enforcement officials arrived unannounced at Zurich's Baur au Lac hotel.

The charges allege that there has been widespread corruption throughout football's governing body over the past 20 years, involving bids for World Cups as well as marketing and broadcast deals.

Two current FIFA vice presidents were among those arrested and indicted: Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands and Eugenio Figueredo of Uruguay. The others are Eduardo Li of Costa Rica, Julio Rocha of Nicaragua, Costas Takkas of Britain, Rafael Esquivel of Venezuela and Jose Maria Marin of Brazil.

Fourteen people -- nine football officials and five sports-marketing executives -- were named in the indictment and face charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

Read more about the defendants here ...

May 27, 9:30 a.m.: Criminal investigation into 2018 and 2022 World Cup awards opened

Swiss federal prosecutors then opened criminal proceedings related to the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, throwing FIFA deeper into crisis only hours after nine former or current officials were among 14 people indicted.

May 27, 10:30 a.m.: FIFA presidential election to go ahead, no World Cup revotes

Despite the allegations, FIFA's communications director, Walter De Gregorio, said the election will go ahead as planned on Friday, while the governing body confirmed there will be no revotes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

May 27, 1:30 p.m.: Jack Warner pleads his innocence

Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner said he is "innocent of any charges" after Swiss authorities arrested FIFA officials in relation to federal corruption charges.

May 27, 2:30 p.m.: Chuck Blazer among 4 to plead guilty in $100m corruption case

Former FIFA executive Chuck Blazer was among four men to have already pleaded guilty in the 2013 U.S. football corruption investigation involving bribes totalling more than $100 million.

May 27, 3:30 p.m.: U.S. Department of Justice alleges FIFA corruption over past 24 years

U.S. prosecutors say they have uncovered a dozen different schemes while investigating corruption at FIFA -- and that some of those schemes involved the awarding of the 2010 World Cup to South Africa.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said at a news conference that bribery and corruption have been marring the sport for at least 24 years as FIFA officials solicited bribes from sports marketing firms and others surrounding its marquee events.

May 27, 6:30 p.m.: UEFA calls for FIFA presidential election to be postponed

UEFA called for Friday's FIFA presidential election to be postponed. "Today's events are a disaster for FIFA and tarnish the image of football as a whole. UEFA is deeply shocked and saddened by them. These events show, once again, that corruption is deeply rooted in FIFA's culture," read an official statement. "There is a need for the whole of FIFA to be 'rebooted' and for a real reform to be carried out."

May 27, 7 p.m.: Sepp Blatter welcomes probe into FIFA, wants to 'restore trust'

FIFA president Sepp Blatter released a statement in which he welcomed the probe to root out wrongdoing in football.

"Let me be clear: such misconduct has no place in football and we will ensure that those who engage in it are put out of the game," he said. "This is a difficult time for football, the fans and for FIFA as an organisation. We understand the disappointment that many have expressed and I know that the events of today will impact the way in which many people view us."

May 27, 8 p.m.: Russia blasts U.S. over FIFA corruption case

2018 World Cup hosts Russia accused the United States of acting illegally following the FBI-led investigation in Zurich.

"Without going into the details of the accusations ... this is clearly another case of illegal exterritorial use of U.S. law," said a statement on the website of the Russian foreign ministry. "We hope that this will not in any way be used to cast a shadow on the international football organisation as a whole and its decisions.

"Once again we are calling on Washington to stop attempts to make justice far beyond its borders using its legal norms and to follow the generally accepted international legal procedures."

May 27, 10 p.m.: Warner surrenders to police in Trinidad

Warner turned himself in when police issued an arrest warrant at the request of U.S. authorities. Warner appeared in court, where a judge read 12 charges against him and then granted him $2.5 million bail on certain conditions, including that he surrender his passport and report to police twice a week. Warner did not enter a plea and is scheduled to appear in court again July 12.

May 28, 12 a.m.: Blatter 'has to go,' insists FA chairman Greg Dyke

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke hit out at Blatter. "Blatter has put out a statement saying now is the time to start rebuilding the trust in FIFA. There is no way of rebuilding trust in FIFA while Sepp Blatter is still there," he told Press Association Sport. "Sepp Blatter has to go. He either has to go through a resignation, or he has to be out-voted or we have to find a third way."

May 28, 2 a.m.: U20 World Cup unaffected by corruption scandal, insist organisers

Football New Zealand said they did not expect the arrests to have any impact on the under-20 World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday. Football New Zealand chief executive Andy Martin issued a statement Thursday saying organizers "continue to monitor the situation closely so that we can react appropriately" but "do not anticipate that these events will impact on the tournament."

May 28, 3 a.m.: Visa consider pulling out of sponsorship deal

Sponsors reacted throughout the day with statements from McDonald's and Adidas, but Visa were the first to say that might pull out of their deal if FIFA did not change their ways.

A statement read: "Our disappointment and concern with FIFA in light of today's developments is profound. As a sponsor, we expect FIFA to take swift and immediate steps to address these issues within its organisation. This starts with rebuilding a culture with strong ethical practices in order to restore the reputation of the games for fans everywhere.

"Visa became a sponsor of FIFA because the World Cup is one of the few truly global sporting events with the power to unite people from around the world through a common love of football. Our sponsorship has always focused on supporting the teams, enabling a great fan experience, and inspiring communities to come together and celebrate the spirit of competition and personal achievement -- and it is important that FIFA makes changes now, so that the focus remains on these going forward. Should FIFA fail to do so, we have informed them that we will reassess our sponsorship."

May 28, 8 a.m.: Asia reiterates support for Blatter

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) revealed they would continue to back Blatter's bid for re-election to the FIFA presidency, as Blatter pulled out of a planned appearance at the FIFA Medical Conference. "The AFC reiterates its decision taken at the AFC Congress in Sao Paulo in 2014, endorsed at subsequent congresses in Melbourne and Manama in 2015, to support FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter," read a statement.

May 28, 9 a.m.: Blatter misses meetings, then chairs a meeting

Blatter did not attend Thursday morning's FIFA medical conference in Zurich or the meeting of UEFA's member association heads after that. However, he did chair an emergency meeting with continental football bodies as he called together leaders of FIFA's six regions on Thursday.

FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said: "There was a meeting today with the president [Blatter] with the representatives from the confederations to discuss the current situation."

May 28, 11 a.m.: Russia's Vladimir Putin accuses U.S. of meddling with FIFA, 2018 World Cup

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States is meddling in FIFA's affairs in an attempt to take the 2018 World Cup away from his country. Putin said on TV that it is "odd" that the probe was launched at the request of U.S. officials for crimes that do not involve its citizens and did not happen in the United States.

May 28, 12 p.m.: Luis Suarez's Uruguay ban may be appealed

It was revealed that Luis Suarez's nine-month ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup could be appealed in the wake of FIFA's crisis, according to the Uruguayan Footballers' Union (MUFP).

May 28, 1 p.m.: South Africa denies FIFA officials were paid $10m bribe for 2010

South African officials denied that a $10 million bribe was paid to FIFA officials in order to host the 2010 World Cup. Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula told AFP reporters in Johannesburg: "We as a government and people managing the resources of the South African people -- we did not share part of your resources with criminals, I am saying it now and forever."

May 28, 1:30 p.m.: UEFA to attend FIFA congress and back Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein

UEFA said they would not boycott Friday's FIFA congress ahead of plans to unite behind FIFA presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, but UEFA president Michel Platini did not rule out the possibility of a World Cup boycott if Sepp Blatter is re-elected as FIFA president.

May 28, 3 p.m.: UEFA president Michel Platini: I asked Blatter to stand down

Platini, the president of European football's governing body, urged Blatter to stand down when the pair met on Thursday.

"I have had enough -- enough is enough, too much is too much. I am the first to be disgusted," Platini told a news conference. "I told Mr Blatter 'we started together and now I am asking you to step down as we cannot continue this way.'

"He told me 'it's too late, I can't today all of sudden leave when congress starts this afternoon'.''

May 28, 4:30 p.m.: Blatter avoids the subject at start of FIFA congress

Many expected Blatter to give more insight into the corruption at the opening of the FIFA congress. However, when he took to the stage, he seemed to just dodge the major issues. 

He said: "Many people hold me responsible. I can't monitor everyone all the time ... I'm sure more bad news will follow, but it is necessary to begin to restore trust."

He then added: "There are unprecedented and difficult times for FIFA. Those who are corrupt in football are in a tiny minority and if people want to do wrong they will try to hide it. The actions of individuals bring shame and humiliation on football and demand change and action from us all. The next few months will not be easy."

May 28, 7 p.m: CONCACAF provisionally bans indicted president Jeffrey Webb

CONCACAF provisionally banned president Jeffrey Webb one day after his U.S. indictment on corruption charges, the organizing body announced.

May 29, 12 a.m.: U.S. to vote against Blatter in FIFA election

The United States say they will vote for Jordan's Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein for FIFA president on Friday and not for the embattled Blatter, despite the potential for reprisals in future World Cup bids if the incumbent is re-elected.

May 29, 2 a.m.: CBF chief returns home

The head of the Brazilian soccer confederation (CBF) and FIFA executive committee member Marco Polo Del Nero left Zurich on the eve of the governing body's presidential election to return home.

May 29, 3 a.m.: Warner leaves Trinidad jail in ambulance

Warner left a Trinidad jail by ambulance a day after he was charged in a U.S. corruption case that has led to the arrests of more than a dozen international soccer officials and businessmen. Judicial officer Ibrahim Ali said Warner complained of exhaustion and was not able to face questions from reporters gathered for several hours outside the jail. His lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment.

May 29, 4 a.m.: Nike denies knowingly participating in bribery

Sports apparel company Nike issued a second statement in as many days, hoping to separate itself from the others listed in the FIFA indictment brought by the Department of Justice a day before.

May 29, 7:50 a.m.: England may boycott 2018 World Cup - Dyke

England and their UEFA counterparts should consider pulling out of the 2018 World Cup if Blatter is re-elected as FIFA president, according to Football Association chairman Dyke.

May 29, 8:30 a.m.: FIFA's 65th congress starts

You can watch it live here...

May 29, 10 a.m.: Blatter calls for unity - 'events unleashed a storm'

Blatter admitted the events of this week "unleashed a storm" ahead of the FIFA congress in Zurich but appealed to delegates for unity. FIFA also announced that the post-congress news conference will take place on Saturday morning.

In his opening remarks to FIFA delegates, Blatter said: "The events of this week unleashed a storm. It was even questioned whether this congress would go ahead but I am appealing for unity and team spirit to tackle the problems that have been created and to solve them. It will not be done in a single day, it will take some time. The important point today is to move ahead -- and the important point is transparency. We have a problem to solve."

May 29, 11 a.m.: Warner defiant over FBI charges

Warner gave a defiant speech to supporters a day after he was charged. Officials within his Independent Liberal Party said in a statement that he would speak at a community meeting on Thursday night, and the 72-year-old appeared in front of supporters in the district he represents as an opposition member of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.

Warner said: "If I have been thieving FIFA money for 30 years, who gave me the money? How come he is not charged? Why only persons from Third World countries have been charged?"

May 29, 12 p.m.: Bomb threat at FIFA congress confirmed by Zurich police

A Zurich police spokesperson confirmed that a bomb threat was received at FIFA's 65th congress on Friday, while world football's governing body initially rejected the reports as "nonsense."

May 29, 2:30 p.m.: Palestine drops request to expel Israel from FIFA

The Palestinian FA dropped a motion to have Israel suspended from FIFA, with an amended proposal being voted through the FIFA congress by 90 percent on Friday.

May 29, 4 p.m.: Final speeches

The presidential candidates have delivered their final speeches and the first round of voting in underway. Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein told FIFA delegates that "it will take a committed leader to fix this mess we are in."

"I know FIFA is not just about one man," Prince Ali added. He promised to "fight racism and discrimination in all their forms and uphold human rights" as he turned FIFA into a more democratic, transparent and open organization.

Blatter focused on his experience, saying: "What football needs right now is a strong leader, an experienced leader, a leader who knows all the ins and outs of the situation."

Meanwhile, the head of the Brazilian soccer confederation (CBF) and FIFA executive committee member Marco Polo Del Nero is giving a news conference after returning home from Zurich on the eve of the presidential election.

May 29, 5:30 p.m.: Voting is done

The voting process has completed and ballots are being counted.

May 29, 5:50 p.m.: Vote goes to a second round

There will be a second round of voting in FIFA's presidential race. President Sepp Blatter captured 133 of the 206 valid votes cast in a secret paper ballot. Prince Ali won 73 votes. Since neither captured two-thirds of the vote, there will be a second round of voting Friday in which the winning candidate must get a simple majority of the votes. 

May 29, 6:15 p.m.: Blatter wins as Prince Ali withdraws

Prince Ali has withdrawn from the race, eliminating the need for a second round of voting, and Sepp Blatter has been re-elected as president of FIFA.

May 29, 12:00 a.m.: First executive to appear in court

Aaron Davidson, a Traffic Sports executive from Florida, pleads not guilty to conspiracy and other charges stemming from the FIFA corruption scandal.

May 30, 1:37 a.m.: IRS chief says more indictments likely - report

The Department of Justice could have another round of indictments up their sleeve, according to a New York Times report on Friday. IRS chief in charge of criminal investigations, Richard Weber, told the paper: "I'm fairly confident that we will have another round of indictments."

May 30, 9:30 a.m.: Blatter slams U.S. authorities and 'hate' campaign by UEFA

Sepp Blatter claims the arrest of seven FIFA officials on U.S. corruption indictments may have been an attempt to interfere with the Congress where he was re-elected for a fifth term as president.

Blatter, who beat Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan in Friday's election, also criticised UEFA for what he said was a "hate'' campaign.

May 30, 10:00 a.m.: David Gill rejects FIFA executive committee role

Football Association vice-chairman David Gill says the "terribly damaging events'' of the past week convinced him to reject a place on FIFA's executive committee while Sepp Blatter is still president.

May 30, 11:00 a.m.: Blatter: FIFA storm has not reached hurricane strength

Sepp Blatter says that he will lead FIFA back to "calmer waters" and that the storm has not yet reached "hurricane strength" after being re-elected for a fifth term as president.

"The fallout of this storm is still here. It hasn't attained hurricane strength but it has been strong."

Asked why he had not resigned over the arrests over FIFA corruption, Blatter responded: "It is very easy, you have seen the results of the Congress and they think that I am still the man to solve these problems."

May 31, 2 p.m.: Dyke: Blatter must be challenged by Platini

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke called on UEFA president Michel Platini to show leadership against Sepp Blatter in the wake of the corruption allegations engulfing the world governing body.

"It does require real leadership and Mr Platini has now got to stand up. He stood up and criticised Sepp Blatter, he's now got to lead the opposition," Dyke told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

June 1, 10 a.m.: Ex-Qatar PM denies 2022 WC corruption

Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber hit out at critics of the decision to award his country the 2022 World Cup and denied allegations that corruption was involved.

June 1, 3 p.m.: FA's Rabbatts quits FIFA task force

Heather Rabbatts resigned from FIFA's anti-discrimination task force following the re-election of Sepp Blatter as president. Rabbatts, one of the Football Association's two independent directors, said it was "unacceptable" that so little had been done to reform world football's governing body.

June 1, 6.30 p.m.: South Africa denies role in 2010 bid scandal

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki denied his government paid bribes to secure the 2010 World Cup as the bid scandal began to encroach on the very top of the country's leadership on Monday. "I wish to state that the government that I had the privilege to lead would never have paid any bribe even if it were solicited," Mbeki said in a statement from his office.

June 1, 11.50 p.m.: Jerome Valcke behind $10 million in payments - report

U.S. authorities say FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke allegedly made $10 million in payments at the centre of the scandal sweeping through world football's governing body, according to the New York Times.

June 2, 9.00 a.m.: Nicolas Leoz placed under house arrest

The former head of South America's football federation, Nicolas Leoz, has been placed under house arrest following allegations of corruption at FIFA.

June 2, 6.00 p.m.: Blatter resigns as president

FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced his resignation in a hastily arranged news conference in Zurich.

Blatter said a special election would be held shortly to appoint his successor.

"FIFA needs profound restructuring," Blatter said. "Although members have given me the new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone.

"We will hold an extraordinary conference as soon as possible. A new president will be elected."

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