Switzerland approve former FIFA official's extradition

Bern - Switzerland's judicial authorities announced on Thursday that they agreed to extradite former FIFA vice-president Eugenio Figueredo to the United States on bribery charges.

The Uruguay-born official, who was also the vice president of South America's football body CONMEBOL, can appeal this decision within 30 days.

Switzerland's Federal Office of Justice said its extradition ruling was based on the fact that the alleged crimes would also be punishable under Swiss law.

US prosecutors accuse Figueredo of having accepted bribes for sports marketing deals, thus distorting the market for media rights for the Copa America.

He also allegedly committed fraud when he acquired US citizenship, by submitting forged medical reports.

Figueredo was one of seven football officials arrested in Zurich in May on US warrants, two days ahead of the congress of the ruling body FIFA.

One of them, former FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb, has already been extradited to the US after he agreed to this step.

A Federal Office of Justice spokeswoman declined to describe the extradition procedure status of the five other men, who remain in custody.