Jack Warner accused of taking FIFA World Cup money

Melton Williams, Gleaner Writer



Serious questions have again been raised over Football Federation Australia's failed World Cup bid in the wake of a damning report that alleges former leading FIFA official Austin ‘Jack’ Warner pocketed a $462,000 donation meant to help the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation.



The integrity report, which was conducted by a high-level committee, found that Football Federation Australia agreed to deposit the funds to help upgrade the Marvin Lee Stadium in a Caribbean bank account after meeting with Warner.



The inquiry alleges the account was controlled by Warner and that it appeared he later pocketed Football Federation Australia’s funds.



Warner has denied the allegations.



According to the report the funds were paid to CONCACAF by Football Federation Australia in the form of a cheque that was deposited into a bank account maintained at Republic National Bank in Trinidad and Tobago.



Earlier that year, Warner had deposited personal reimbursement funds from CONCACAF in the account.



The committee concludes that Warner misappropriated the funds given his failure to report the payment as income, and the general lack of accountability of funds sent to CONCACAF operations in Trinidad and Tobago.



Former Football Federation Australia head of corporate affairs Bonita Mersiades broke the story on Sunday and revealed she had raised concerns over the issue.



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