© Christian Hartmann / Reuters
FIFA admitted for the first time on Tuesday that some votes were bought in years of World Cup hosting contests, and the organization is asking for the money back. According to the AP, FIFA is seeking a “substantial” cost of legal fees, in addition to compensation for damages to the organization’s reputation from the men who have confessed to paying bribes. “Tens of millions of dollars” is expected to be collected by U.S. authorities when corrupt officials are sentenced, as well as the more than $190 million already forfeited by those who already pleaded guilty in the corruption case. FIFA wants a share of both amounts through claims that it is the victim of corrupt marketing and soccer officials. The revelations were submitted on a claim to the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Tuesday. New FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday: “The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organizations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA. The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA, as the world governing body of football, wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes.”