Updated at 21.20
FIFA ON THURSDAY immediately suspended secretary general Jerome Valcke over misconduct allegations and put him under investigation.
Valcke “has been put on leave and released from his duties effective immediately until further notice,” said a Fifa statement.
“Further, Fifa has been made aware of a series of allegations involving the secretary general and has requested a formal investigation by the Fifa Ethics Committee.”
The allegations, denied by 54-year-old Valcke, have been made by a consultant at a company that struck a deal with Fifa to sell tickets for the 2014 World Cup but the contract was cancelled.
The Frenchman, who has been Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s right-hand man since 2007, is alleged to be the beneficiary of an agreement to sell the tickets at inflated prices.
Fifa have been embroiled in a major corruption scandal since the arrest of seven of its officials on May 27 attending a Fifa congress in Zurich to elect a new president.
They are among 14 people charged by US authorities over more than $150 million in bribes given for television and marketing deals.
Despite the arrests in May the election went ahead with Blatter winning a fifth mandate although he then announced he would be standing down with a new election scheduled for February.
Valcke was not implicated in the Fifa corruption scandal although he has been a steadfast supporter of Blatter.
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
Getting into a rhythm now, should have been game over against wolves in the first half Monday, back in the groove now, shuts that thick agbonlahor up now with his bielsa a great coach is a myth comment on sky, get back to gobbling greilish ya muppet
@Didithedevil: horrible comment.
@Bob Cummings: Explain…
Had reservations about what Leeds would do but Bielsa has really worked magic. It’s like he has focused on perfecting players strengths than wasting time on improving weaknesses. There are few teams that could comfortably commit too many players to attack their defence because of Leeds swift precise and deadly attacking and counter attacking. Much as I love the blades and Wilder I’m jealous seeing the way they play. No fluke, a masterplan of a few years in the making.
@Pat Ryan: Bielsa and the way he has Leeds playing has restored my faith in the beautiful game, they are a joy to watch and I’m so glad Bamford has proven me wrong
MOT
Bielsa is a tactical genius. MOT
Ha ha unreal second half from Leeds. Destroyed them
Call him up quick
@Seagoat returns: he has said he wants to play for England. According to balls.ie
Bamford for Ireland
#alaw or for those not familiar with Irish Leeds fans, “all Leeds aren’t we.”
Looking forward to getting back to the Peacock et cetera when normality returns. Meanwhile tonight and nights like this will do just fine.
@sean de paore: I would rather do the crush In Billy’s Bar than the Peacock any day. But I do get your drift… MOT #INBIELSAWETRUST
Is he Irish (yet)?
What a time to be a Leeds fan,pity we can’t be in grounds,then premier League would see an athmospere,bielsa is god
Service crew
Get your coat on and get moving
Get your coat on and ger moving
Looks really bad