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Allegations of misconduct 'fabricated and outrageous', says FIFA's Jerome Valcke

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 13 February 2017, 4:40 IST

Jerome Valcke, the FIFA Secretary General who has been handed immediate suspension and is under investigation over allegations of misconduct, has denied the charges against him and said that they were 'fabricated and outrageous'.

Earlier, a FIFA statement had confirmed the news, saying that the 54-year-old was released from his duties until further notice, adding that a formal investigation was also requested by the FIFA Ethics Committee.

The allegations, which were denied by Valcke, were made by a consultant named Benny Alon, at a company that that struck a deal with Fifa to sell tickets for the 2014 World Cup, but had the contract cancelled later on. The claims include Valcke's involvement in a scam to sell World Cup 2014 tickets to the company at vastly inflated prices, thus taking a slice of the profits.

"Jerome Valcke unequivocally denies the fabricated and outrageous accusations by Benny Alon of alleged wrongdoing in connection with the sale of World Cup tickets," a statement released by Valcke's lawyer read.

"As has been reported, FIFA entered into an agreement with Mr Alon's company, JB Sports Marketing. That agreement and FIFA's subsequent business dealings with Mr Alon were vetted and approved by FIFA and its legal counsel," it further added.

FIFA's reputation has been severely tarnished after 14 sports marketing executives and football officials were indicted by the United States in late May over corruption charges.

Sepp Blatter, who was re-elected for a fifth term in May as president, stood down from the position amidst an investigation into corruption charges that has plunged FIFA into an unprecedented crisis.

The election for the appointment of the new FIFA president will take place on 26 February.

(With inputs from ANI)

First published: 18 September 2015, 2:50 IST