Ex-Brazilian boss gets four years in US prison in FIFA probe

NEW YORK: A former president of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) was sentenced by a United States judge to four years in prison after being convicted on corruption charges related to the bribery scandal at FIFA, the sport’s governing body.

Jose Maria Marin, 86, was sentenced by US District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, New York.

He was also fined US$1.2mil (RM4.9mil) and ordered to forfeit US$3.34mil (RM13.7mil).

Marin, the former head of CBF, was convicted on Dec 22 by a federal jury on six conspiracy counts, including to commit racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering.

He was among the first to stand trial over what US prosecutors called a sprawling scheme involving payments of more than US$200mil (RM822mil) of bribes and kickbacks in exchange for marketing and broadcast rights for soccer matches.

Prosecutors said Marin received several million dollars in bribes.

“We are disappointed in the length of the sentence but appreciate the judge’s efforts to strike a fair balance,” Marin’s lawyer Charles Stillman, said in an email.

“Mr Marin will pursue an appeal.” Prosecutors had sought a minimum 10-year prison term, less 13 months that Marin has already spent in custody.

Defence lawyers said Marin’s age and health meant he should be sentenced to time served, court papers showed.

CBF declined to comment.

At least 42 individuals and entities have been charged in the FIFA probe and many have pleaded guilty. — Reuters