Three Argentinians involved in FIFA scandal

FBI agents bring out boxes after an operation inside the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) offices in Miami Beach, Florida May 27, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES -- Three Argentinian businessmen appeared to be involved in the FIFA scandal investigated by the United States Department of Justice for accusations of corruption.

The men involved are Alejandro Burzaco, CEO of Torneos y Competencias, and brothers Hugo and Mariano Jinkis, owners of Full Play, in charge of sports marketing for FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), said local media on Wednesday.

The investigation is led by US Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of New York and thus far has 14 defendants: nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives.

According to the US Department of Justice, seven FIFA officials were arrested in Zurich this Wednesday at the request of the United States, among which were vice-presidents Eugenio Figueredo (Uruguay) and Nicolas Leoz (Paraguay), the latter is the former President of South American Confederation of Football (CONMEBOL).

Among accusations are awarding the seat of the World Cup tournament and the broadcasting rights, for which they would have allegedly committed fraud, mismanagement and money laundering.

Up until 17:30 local time (20:30 GMT), Argentinian football authorities had publicly addressed this issue.