Attorney general allows Jack Warner extradition process to continue following FIFA corruption allegations

Extradition proceedings against Jack Warner are to go ahead ©Getty Images

Extradition proceedings against former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner have moved a step closer after Trinidad and Tobago’s attorney general signed documents granting a green light for the process to continue.

The 72-year-old Trinidadian has long been at the centre of corruption allegations surrounding football's governing body, being among 13 current or former FIFA officials arrested in May during the annual Congress in Zurich.

Warner is accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes throughout his three decades sitting on the FIFA Executive Committee, 21 years of which he was also acting as President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

He has been charged with "wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering", and is allegedly involved in a $10 million (£600,000/€900,000) payment from South African football officials to CONCACAF connected to the nation's successful bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Jack Warner, also a politician in Trinidad and Tobago, is accused of corruption throughout his time at FIFA ©Getty Images

United States authorities are keen for him to be tried within the US, but Warner, who denies the allegations, is fighting the extradition attempt.

His lawyers asked the island nation's deputy chief magistrate Mark Wellington to discharge their client because attorney general Faris Al Rawi missed a deadline of last Wednesday (September 16) to sign Authority to Proceed documents.

But Al Rawi was only sworn into office on September 9 following General Elections won by the People’s National Movement, and had told the chief magistrate’s office that more time was needed for him to come to a decision.

That was accepted by Queen's Counsel James Lewis, who represents the state, who ruled that the process could continue because the documents have now been signed.

The case has now been adjourned until Friday (September 25), although many believe it could continue for a long-time yet.

Switzerland granted approval for Eugenio Figueredo to be extradited last week ©Getty Images

But if Warner is ultimately extradited, it would be a major step and an indication of collective willingness to take stronger action.

Cayman Islands' Jeffrey Webb, who remained the FIFA vice-president when arrested in May and is arguably the highest profile figure involved, has agreed to be extradited.

Last week, Switzerland approved the extradition of another former vice-president in Uruguay's Eugenio Figuereda, although like Warner, he is so far resisting this pressure.

It continues a difficult month for Warner after he conceded the Chaguanas East seat in the General Election after receiving only 4.30 per cent of the vote.