FIFA CRISES: Letter ‘shows path of South Africa’s $10m’

CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Organising Committee Danny Jordaan talks to the media during a press conference at Chelsea football club's Grounds, in Stamford Bridge, in London, on 4 March 2010 — Danny Jordaan spearheaded South Africa’s bid

A new leaked letter appears to show South African authorities seeking an indirect route for the transfer of $10m (£6.5m) to Fifa.

The letter carried by South African media was purportedly written by then SA FA president Danny Jordaan three weeks before the first amount was paid.

US prosecutors say the money was a bribe to Fifa officials to help secure South Africa’s 2010 World Cup bid.

South Africa says it was a legitimate payment to fund Caribbean football.

The $10m payment is a key plank in the wide-ranging US criminal inquiry that has engulfed world football’s governing body.

Seven top Fifa officials, including two vice-presidents were arrested last week in Switzerland as they awaited Fifa’s congress.

They were among 14 new indictments in the US investigation, which alleges they accepted bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m over a 24-year period.

Four other people were charged earlier. One of them, ex-Fifa official Chuck Blazer, has pleaded guilty in the US to taking bribes related to South Africa’s bid.

‘Diaspora legacy’

The BBC’s Southern Africa correspondent Karen Allen says the latest leaked letter appears to add weight to allegations that the South African government went to great lengths to hide the transfer of the $10m.