Witness claims media giants paid FIFA bribe

NEW YORK» Media giants Globo and Televisa teamed with a marketing firm to make a $15 million bribe to a FIFA executive to help them secure lucrative broadcasting rights to the World Cup in 2026 and 2030, the marketing company’s former CEO testified Wednesday.

Alejandro Burzaco implicated the two broadcasters in a New York courtroom during the trial of three former South American soccer officials accused of taking bribes in exchange for their help securing broadcasting and hosting rights for tournaments.

Burzaco testified that the deal was struck with longtime FIFA finance committee chairman Julio Grondona at a 2013 meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. FIFA is global soccer’s governing body.

“Were you and your partners able to get those rights?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Nitze asked.

“Yes, sir,” Burzaco responded.

In wide-ranging testimony that began Tuesday, Burzaco also has implicated Fox Sports in a separate bribery scheme. Fox and Globo have denied any wrongdoing, while Televisa has declined comment.

None of those media companies are charged in the case.

Jose Maria Marin, Manuel Burga and Juan Angel Napout have pleaded not guilty to charges they took part in a 24-year scheme involving at least $150 million in bribes that secured broadcasting and hosting rights for soccer tournaments around the globe.

More than 40 other officials and business executives been charged. Many, including Burzaco, have pleaded guilty in hopes of receiving reduced sentences.