January 18 – Brazilian FA boss Marco Del Nero, who escaped being put on trial for his alleged role in the FIFAGate scandal since his country has no extradition treaty with the United States, is to contest his FIFA ban on Friday – via video link from Rio de Janeiro .
Del Nero was recently suspended for 90 days by FIFA’s ethics committee following global pressure that mounted to un-ignorable levels. During the trial in New York of three fellow former South American powerbrokers, one of the recurring names in the prosecutor’s case and the defendants submissions was that of Del Nero especially during the hearings related to his predecessor Jose Maria Marin who will be sentenced in April
Even trial judge Pamela Chen made passing comment on how del Nero could still be running Brazilian football (he is one of those indicted by US authorities), suggesting he must have “friends in high places”.
Del Nero’s 90-day ban by FIFA’s ethics committee expires on March 14 but there is scope for a further 45-day suspension and, ultimately, an even more lengthy ban. Hence his request to appear by video link, supported by two lawyers.
Local reports said Del Nero, a former member of FIFA’s executive committee who has not left Brazil since his indictment by US authorities for fear of being arrested, will tell FIFA there is no evidence against him even though he is accused of seven crimes including racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering.
His defense is reported to be based on his claims that the accusations that he received kickbacks were unfounded and made against him were made by third parties.
“This is a confidential procedure, and therefore I cannot say anything,” he told GloboEsporte.com.
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