Prosecutors end Infantino investigation over private jet
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has avoided any possible prosecution over the use of a private jet in 2017. Infantino apparently charted a private flight from Suriname to Switzerland during this timeframe. Nevertheless, the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) closed an investigation into the ordeal on Thursday.
Prosecutors determined that Infantino was in compliance with the organization’s rules and regulations.
FIFA releases statement on Infantino and private jet
The governing body of the sport FIFA welcomed the final ruling related to the private jet. “It has been confirmed that the travel arrangements, made by the President’s Office and FIFA’s travel department, were in line with FIFA’s compliance rules and regulations,” FIFA said in an official statement.
“In addition, the OAG has acknowledged that the manner of communication in relation to these travel arrangements at the time were completely justified.”
FIFA also revealed that the organization and Infantino will not be responsible for the financial aspects of the investigation. “Following the OAG’s judgement, the Swiss state shall bear all costs related to the investigation, while the FIFA President has also decided to waive any claim for damages, thus foregoing any potential compensation.”
“The FIFA president has been fully at the disposal of the Swiss authorities. [He] remains hopeful that the judicial system recognizes that the current FIFA administration has turned the page on the past and is now established as a credible and respected organization.”
Not the first time for Infantino
FIFA, with help from their ethics committee, previously looked into the incident themselves in 2020. The organization cleared Infantino during their research three years ago.
Infantino has been at the helm at FIFA sine 2016. The Swiss soccer official faced investigations multiple times throughout his reign for a series of ethics and corruption issues. This includes private flights and personal items purchased by Infantino, but billed back to FIFA in 2016.
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