Fifa Corruption: Swiss banks 'report account suspicions'

Swiss Prosecutors are investigating 53 cases of possible money laundering in bidding for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

Attorney General Michael Lauber said the incidents had been reported by Swiss banks.

He said his office is analyzing a huge amount of seized FIFA data in its inquiry.

The Swiss investigation is running parallel to one being carried out by the US.

The 2018 and 2022 World Cups FIFA were awarded to Russia and Qatar.

But leading Official, Domenico Scala, has said the awards could be cancelled if evidence of bribery emerges. Both countries deny any wrongdoing.

FIFA is facing claims of widespread corruption after Swiss Police raided a hotel in Zurich, where FIFA is based and arrested seven of its top executives last month.

The seven were held at the request of the US Justice Department which has charged 14 current and former officials of FIFA and associates with rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted corruption.

The charges follow a three-year inquiry by the FBI.

BBC