Jack Warner, the controversial Fifa vice-president recently investigated over alleged corruption, has stepped down from his position at the footballing governing body. Fifa accepted Mr Warner’s resignation – and the Ethics Committee investigation into bribery claims against him have now been dropped.Mr Warner, who has also quit as head of regional bodies CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union (CFC) and had been the longest-serving member of FIFA’s executive committee, was suspended along with Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam.There were suspicions that the pair had been involved in bribery during the presidential election, which Sepp Blatter, unopposed, won.Fifa said in a statement that Warner’s “resignation has been accepted”.”As a consequence of Mr Warner’s self-determined resignation, all Ethics Committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained,” the statement from Fifa read.The statement also said: “FIFA regrets the turn of events that have led to Mr Warner’s decision.”His resignation has been accepted by world football’s governing body, and his contribution to international football and to Caribbean football in particular and the CONCACAF confederation are appreciated and acknowledged.”Mr Warner is leaving FIFA by his own volition after nearly 30 years of service, having chosen to focus on his important work on behalf of the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago as a Cabinet Minister and as the Chairman of the United National Congress, the major party in his country’s coalition government.”The FIFA executive committee, the FIFA president and the FIFA management thank Mr Warner for his services to Caribbean, CONCACAF and international football over his many years devoted to football at both regional and international level, and wish him well for the future.”Mr Warner and Mr bin Hammam were suspended after being accused of giving or offering bribes of $40,000 to the 25 members of the CFU.
The total sum involved was $1million according to a report to the Fifa ethics committee.The affidavits sent to the Ethics Committee, as seen by agency Press Association, testify that Warner told the CFU members at the special meeting in Trinidad on May 10 and 11 the cash had been provided by Mr bin Hammam, who was then running for Fifa president.Bahamas FA vice-president Fred Lunn said he had been given the cash in a brown envelope which he photographed before returning.Mr Lunn said in his affidavit that the following day “Mr Warner stated that he had instructed Mr bin Hammam to bring the cash equivalent of any gift he had intended to bring for the people attending this meeting.
“Mr Warner then stated that the money could be used for any purpose … for grassroots programs or any purpose the individuals saw fit.”A number of other associations have told investigators that they too were given the cash – some of whom kept it, and others who handed it back.A source close to Mr Warner said he had taken the decision “for the good of the game” but refused to comment when asked if he had jumped before he was pushed.The source told the PA: “He has taken the decision after speaking to his family. He believes it is in the best interests of Caribbean football and for the good of the game generally.” – Skynews
