FIFA Asks Arrested Finance Watchdog Member Canover Watson For Explanation

FIFA "asked for an explanation from a member of its financial watchdog who was arrested on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering in the Cayman Islands," according to Simon Evans of REUTERS. Canover Watson, one of eight members of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee and a VP of the Caribbean Football Union, has "denied the charges and been released on bail in the British overseas territory." Committee Head Domenico Scala said that "he had asked Watson for details." Scala said, "Once we have more information we will consider appropriate measures." Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commissioner David Baines said that Watson was suspected of "breach of trust contrary to section 13 of the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Law, as well as abuse of public office ... and conflict of interest." Those allegations refer to Watson’s time at the head of Cayman’s Health Service Authority "and follow a police investigation into the introduction of a swipe card system" (REUTERS, 9/7).