FIFA's auditing firm launches internal review of its Swiss operations

An auditing firm charged with scrutinising FIFA's financial records has launched an internal review ©Getty Images

An auditing firm charged with scrutinising FIFA's financial records has launched an internal review of its business in Switzerland.

KPMG say that its audits for the football organisation in the country are being analysed amid allegations of widespread corruption at the world governing body, which is based in Zurich.

The company has been responsible for auditing at FIFA since 1999 and should it discover irregularities it is obliged by law to report them.

FIFA is currently embroiled in scandal with separate investigations being launched against it by the US Department of Justice and the Swiss Attorney General.

Last week, secretary general Jérôme Valcke was suspended and relieved of his duties following accusations he was involved in a scheme to sell World Cup tickets for above their face value.

KPMG has been responsible for FIFA's audits since 1999.

Spokesman Andreas Hammer told Reuters: "While the allegations predominantly concern activities which do not directly impact the FIFA financial statements, a review of the audit work performed by KPMG Switzerland is being conducted in consultation with KPMG International."

Jérôme Valcke was suspended by FIFA last week ©Getty Images

Nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives have been indicted in the US and charged with offences including money laundering, racketeering and wire fraud, and US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said more arrests were likely as part of the American investigation into corruption.

Meanwhile, the Swiss investigation, which focuses on the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, is also progressing.

Outgoing president Sepp Blatter, who resigned in June amid the scandal, has told staff in an e-mail he is confident FIFA can restore its shattered reputation.

He said: "Please be assured that FIFA remains confident of its ability to recover from the present difficult situation and to restore its reputation for the good of game.

"I urge you all to continue your hard work to develop, promote and celebrate the game we love."