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Chaguanas West MP, ILP leader and ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner has claimed innocence in the face of an indictment by the United States Department of Justice for racketeering.
Warner was named among 13 persons charged for “various criminal activities, including fraud, bribery and money laundering.”
Haitian football officials accused Warner of failing to relay millions in aid relief funds to the impoverished island.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
The Department of Justice also revealed that his sons, Daryan and Daryll Warner, already pleaded guilty to various counts of fraud.
However, in a press statement, the controversial politician declared his innocence of all charges.
“I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter,” said Warner. “I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die…
“I wish to advise the hundreds of thousands of persons who support the ILP that my commitment to them and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is undaunted and can never be broken.”
The following is the full press statement from Jack Warner:
My attention has been drawn to certain developments in world football which started several hours ago and is at the present time still ongoing.
It has been reported that a number of FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland and that at least one raid conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigators in Miami is being executed at what I presume to be CONCACAF offices.
My name is being reported by international media as being one of those persons sought in connection with the probe.
The people of Trinidad and Tobago will know that I quit FIFA and international football more than four years ago and that over the past several years I have recommitted my life to the work of improving the lot of every citizen of every creed and race in this nation. This is where I have let my bucket down.
I have fought fearlessly against all forms of injustice and corruption.
I have been afforded no due process and I have not even been questioned in this matter. I reiterate that I am innocent of any charges. I have walked away from the politics of world football to immerse myself in the improvement of lives in this country where I shall, God willing, die.
Warner served as Works Minister and National Security Minister for the People’s Partnership Government before his resignation in 2013.
(Courtesy FIFA.com)
The actions of FIFA no longer concern me. I cannot help but note however that these cross- border coordinated actions come at a time when FIFA is assembled for elections to select a President who is universally disliked by the international community. At times such as this it is my experience that the large world powers typically take actions to affect world football. World football is an enormous international business.
That is no longer my concern. My sole focus at this stage of my life is on the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
I wish to advise the hundreds of thousands of persons who support the ILP that my commitment to them and to the people of Trinidad and Tobago is undaunted and can never be broken.
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Jack and he sons went up a hill to thief FIFA money and Jack and he sons fell down and Kamla now drunk with laughter
Unbound Unbent Unbroken
……….but Arrested
Good statement ny Jack though.