Interpol suspends Fifa project during soccer body investigation

[LONDON] Interpol, the international police organisation, said it will stop taking funding from Fifa during an investigation of global soccer's governing body.

Fifa agreed to provide 20 million euros (S$30.2 million) to Interpol over 10 years as part of a May 2011 project to stop corruption in the sport. Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock said the police organisation will freeze funding from Fifa.

"In light of the current context surrounding Fifa, while Interpol is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport program, I have decided to suspend the agreement," Mr Stock said. "All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the organisation, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community." US and Swiss authorities have opened investigations into the Zurich-based governing body, alleging that some Fifa officials engaged in bribery, racketeering and money laundering, as well as the award of the 2018 World and 2022 edition to Russia and Qatar respectively.

Interpol is assisting in the effort to search for several executives who are wanted for racketeering, conspiracy and corruption.

BLOOMBERG