FIFA confirmed the probe into the bribe claims against the allegations that Australian World Cup bid officials handed out jewllery to the wives of the FIFA executive committee members and paid travel costs for Trinidad and Tobago’s under 20 team in order to win votes in the battle to host the 2022 World Cup.
Last year Gordon Nuttal, the former Queensland Cabinet Minister, was found guilty of receiving more than $360,000 in secret corrupt payments and was sentenced to seven years in jail. As part of a deal between Mr Nuttal and the Director of Public Prosecution, which was formalised earlier this month by Queensland Supreme Court Judge Peter Applegarth, Mr Nuttal agreed to repay more than $350,000. As part of the order, Mr Nuttal also agreed to pay more than $90,000 in interest which he had avoided accruing on the overdrawn bank account where the secret payments were made. Mr Nuttal also faces trial on a further corruption related charge in September. Under the agreement, if he is found guilty, Mr Nuttal has pledged to set aside $191,500 and will be required to repay the alleged payments and court costs.
