Justice Department Approves Return of Over $32 Million in Forfeited Funds to FIFA Victims

On August 24, 2021, the United States Department of Justice announced it will start returning forfeited funds to FIFA, the world organizing body of soccer; CONCACAF, the confederation responsible for soccer governance in North and Central America, among other regions; CONMEBOL, the confederation responsible for soccer governance in South America; and various constituent national soccer federations responsible for soccer governance in South America; and various constituent national soccer federations (collectively, the “Victims”).  The DOJ granted a joint petition for remission filed by the Victims, recognizing losses and granting remission up to a total of more than $201 million.  The DOJ has approved $32.3 million in forfeited funds for an initial distribution.  The amounts approved for remission have been seized and have been or are expected to be forfeited to the U.S. in the Eastern District of New York as part of the government’s investigation and prosecution in international soccer.[1]