Extradited FIFA official pleads not guilty in Brooklyn court
A Brazilian FIFA official who was a key organizer of the 2014 World Cup in his home country pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to U.S. charges stemming from a sprawling bribery case that has scandalized the soccer world.
Jose Maria Marin appeared in federal court in Brooklyn following his extradition from Switzerland, where he was arrested in May along with five other FIFA officials in a dawn raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich. A judge agreed to release the 83-year-old defendant on a $15 million bond and will allow him live with tight restrictions in a New York apartment valued at $3.5 million until his case is resolved.
A haggard-looking Marin listened to the proceeding through an interpreter. He slumped down in a chair while lawyers remained standing in front of the bench discussing his bail conditions. He later rose for a long embrace with his wife, who was required to sign the bond.