Argentine duo wanted in FIFA scandal fight extradition to US

Two Argentine businessmen wanted by the United States in its investigation of the FIFA corruption scandal which has rocked world football are fighting extradition, a court source said Wednesday.

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced the indictments in May of 14 top football officials and business executives, leading to the resignation announcement from FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis, a father and son who have been under house arrest in Argentina, are the owners of Full Play, a sports marketing company that among other businesses deals in football broadcast rights.

The Jinkis duo refused extradition before federal judge Claudio Bonadio on Wednesday and will now stand trial in Buenos Aires to determine if they should be extradited or not.

The Jinkis also are wanted on fraud charges in Argentina.

Another Argentine businessman embroiled in the scandal, Alejandro Burzaco, 51, surrendered to Italian police in June before flying to New York to face American justice over allegations that he took part in the massive kickbacks scheme going back more than 20 years.

Burzaco pleaded not guilty to three charges of racketeering, money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy and posted a $20 million bond for his release, underwritten by friends and family.

Burzaco will next appear before a US judge on September 18.
Source: AFP