FIFA is striving to recoup "10s of millions of dollars" taken illegally by members of the association and from other football organisations.
The game's world governing body submitted documents - or a request for restitution - to the U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Probation Office for the Eastern District of New York, charging 41 individuals for the damage they "caused to FIFA's brand and reputation."
In pursuing this money, FIFA has effectively admitted to the allegations of widespread corruption and kickbacks currently being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Newly-elected FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has pledged to "restore the image" of FIFA, said in a statement:
The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organisations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA, its member associations, and the football community. The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes.
Former FIFA officials Jack Warner, Jeffrey Warner, and Chuck Blazer, the latter of whom became a whistleblower during the corruption scandal, are among those FIFA looks to claim significant amounts of money from.
One payment subject to great scrutiny is the €10-million that went from the South African FA, via FIFA, and into a bank account controlled by Warner, reports the Guardian's Owen Gibson. It is believed to be part of a bribe to help secure the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and the Trinidadian still proclaims his innocence in the matter.
"These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewellery and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives," Infantino continued in his statement.
"When FIFA recovers this money, it will be directed back to its original purpose: for the benefit and development of international football."
