Ex-FIFA official Figueredo agrees to Uruguay extradition

GENEVA

A former FIFA vice-president embroiled in corruption charges has agreed to extradition from Switzerland to Uruguay.

However, as Switzerland had already approved Eugenio Figueredo’s extradition to the United States in September, it is up to the U.S. authorities if the 83-year-old will be sent to the Latin American country.

Figueredo, a former vice-president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), was one of seven officials at FIFA arrested on corruption charges in Zurich on May 27.

The Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) said in a statement on Wednesday: "The FOJ approved Figueredo's simplified extradition to Uruguay, albeit subject to the resolution of priority between the Uruguayan and the equally valid U.S. request.

“It will be for the U.S. authorities to state whether or not they agree to Uruguay being given priority.

"If the U.S. authorities do not agree, the issue will be decided by the FOJ," the Swiss authorities added.

Switzerland has approved the extradition of all seven FIFA officials arrested on corruption charges but only former FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb and former FIFA official Jose Maria Marin have gone to the U.S. so far.

The FOJ statement added that Uruguayan prosecutors suspected Figueredo of “having abused his office for personal gain”.

Following the corruption claims, FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, who has always denied any wrongdoing, announced his decision to step down on June 2, just after he was re-elected as president for a fifth consecutive term. He is currently on suspension, amid reported health problems.