Italian luxury villa seized in bribery case

A villa valued at seven million euros ($8.3 million) on an Italian island was allegedly how a Qatari television executive bribed a top FIFA official.

Italian police said Friday they seized the luxury property in Sardinia they claim Nasser al-Khelaifi, who is also president of Paris Saint-Germain, made available to former FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke.

Details of the alleged corruption were revealed one day after Swiss federal prosecutors oversaw evidence-gathering raids in four European countries for a widening investigation of FIFA and the 2018-2022 World Cup bidding contests won by Russia and Qatar.

Criminal proceedings have been opened against Al-Khelaifi and Valcke for suspected bribery and forgery linked to awarding broadcast rights for the next four World Cups.

Al-Khelaifi is also CEO of Qatarowned BeIN Media Group, which has World Cup rights across the Middle East through 2030, including the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Italy’s financial police said in a statement that the villa in Porto Cervo is owned by an international real estate company, and eight people were questioned in connecton with the siezure.

Kaka won’t renew contract with Orlando City

ORLANDO, FLA. » Brazilian soccer star Kaka has announced he will not re-sign with Orlando City. Kaka said he will play his final game with the Orlando City Lions Sunday. He will not travel to Philadelphia for the season finale against the Union next week.

The 35-year-old has not indicated plans to retire, which leaves open the possibility of playing in his native Brazil.