Jeffery Webb has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and bribery charges in connection with a United States-led crackdown on corruption within world football.
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The four co-signers present in court, his wife and her parents and grandmother, were advised by the judge of the gravity of their financial undertaking. The payments were tied to the award of broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup, continental championships in North and South America, and regional club tournaments.
CONCACAF dismissed Webb from his post as president of the organization after the Federation Internationale de Football Association scandal broke.
There was no immediate response to messages left Friday with Webb’s lawyer. He barely spoke, except to accept conditions on his bail: he must wear an electric monitoring device and can not leave his residence without approval from the Federal Bureau of Investigation except for medical emergencies.
According to the New York Daily News, Judge Raymond Dearie, who is overseeing the case, signed an order for an “excludable delay” in Webb’s right to a speedy trial, which is essentially a 30-day pause button, often used by prosecutors who are trying to work out a deal. He must employ a private security firm, which will monitor his movements for authorities and will protect him from possible danger.
Mr Webb smiled at his wife and appeared confident in a crisp white shirt when he made his hour-long appearance, reports the BBC’s Nick Bryant from the court. Warner ran CONCACAF like his own personal piggy bank and extortion racket for decades while president of the region.
The 50-year-old, a native of the Cayman Islands, faces USA charges of racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.
On Monday, FIFA’s executive committee is expected to set out the timetable to determine the election for Blatter’s replacement.
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Blatter, 79, has denied any wrongdoing, saying he bears no responsibility for any misdeeds committed by his deputies.
