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Swiss Property, 'New Evidence' Seized In FIFA Corruption Probe


Switzerland's Attorney General Michael Lauber says property and apartments in the Swiss Alps have been seized as part of a corruption probe of FIFA, world soccer's governing body.

Lauber said on September 14 that further evidence had been collected and that 121 bank accounts had been brought to the attention of investigators.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said U.S. authorities had expanded their FIFA probe with Swiss authorities and expect more arrests on the basis of "new evidence."

Lynch would not say who would be arrested next, nor comment on travel plans of FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Blatter, who insists he is "clean," has said he will step down in February amid the allegations of systematic bribery within FIFA.

So far, the U.S. Justice Department has indicted 14 people on allegations of taking bribes totaling more than $150 million over a 24-year period.

Swiss authorities are investigating the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, leading to speculation that Russia and Qatar could lose the rights to host those events.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and BBC

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