Fifa financial watchdog official arrested over money-laundering claims
Sep 6, 2014 16:18:02
Canover Watson, vice-president of the Caribbean Football Union, has denied allegations he abused his position in office
One of the members of Fifa's financial watchdog body has been arrested on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering.
Canover Watson, who sits on the committee for audit and compliance and is also vice-president of the Caribbean Football Union, was detained by police in the Cayman Islands last week as part of an investigation into the billing contracts for a hospital swipe-card system.
The 43-year-old has been released on bail until September 29.
A statement issued by police confirmed Watson had been arrested for "suspicion of breach of trust contrary to section 13 of the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Law, as well as abuse of public office ... and conflict of interest", in addition to "suspicion of money laundering contrary to section 133 of the Proceeds of Crime Law".
Watson later released a statement to deny the allegations.
"I make this brief statement following my arrest in relation to suspected offenses contrary to the Anti-Corruption Law," he said.
"The allegations are denied. In due course, at the proper time and in the appropriate forum, I look forward to setting out my position in greater detail. For present purposes since the police investigation is ongoing, I have been advised by my attorneys that it would be inappropriate for me to make further comment."
Cayman Islands police are continuing a lengthy investigation into the swipe-card technology, awarded to a Caribbean firm in 2010.
Fifa's audit and compliance committee was established in 2012 to ensure the reliability and accountability of football's governing body's finances.
Fifa has so far declined to comment.
