More arrests in FIFA corruption probe

More that a dozen arrests were made in Switzerland on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations at FIFA, according to a report in "The New York Times."

Some of the arrests occurred during a pre-dawn raid at the same luxury Zurich hotel, the Baur au Lac, in which other FIFA officials were arrested in May, according to the report.

The Swiss government has conflirmed the arrest of two FIFA officials who were "suspected of accepting bribes of millions of dollars."

FIFA said it was cooperating with US and Swiss corruption investigations.

"FIFA became aware of the actions taken today by the US Department of Justice. FIFA will continue to cooperate fully with the US investigation as permitted by Swiss law, as well as with the investigation being led by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General," a statement said.

Suspended FIFA President Joseph (Sepp) Blatter, who is also under investigation on corruption allegations, was not among those detained, the newspaper said. FIFA officials were in Zurich for a meeting to prepare for a special February congress where Blatter's successor is to be elected.

A spokesman for police in Zurich has since confirmed to Reuters news agency that "police steps" were being taken "on behalf of the (Swiss) Federal Office of Justice."

Authorities both in Switzerland, where FIFA has its headquarters, and the United States are carrying out probes into current and former senior FIFA officials amid allegations of racketeering, money laundering and fraud.

tj/sms (AP, Reuters, AFP)