Eugenio Figueredo was one of 13 top FIFA officials to be charged in a U.S.-led investigation of the organization, however he is the first to dodge extradition to the United States, according to UPI. Figueredo was extradited to his native Uruguay from Switzerland. Uruguay challenged an extradition order issued by the United States, citing a recently-revived case against Figueredo that predates the U.S. Department of Justice's FIFA prosecution. On Dec. 18, the Swiss Federal Office ruled against the United States, saying Figueredo must stand trial in Uruguay for charges he faces there. Figueredo, who is a dual citizen of the United States and Uruguay, arrived in Montevideo Thursday in Interpol custody. "My client has come home to his native land to face the charges that have been brought against him," Figueredo's attorney, David Torres-Siegrist, told CBS News. "He stands ready and willing to answer truthfully. His legal team is secure in the fact that he will receive a fair trial in Uruguay." Torres-Siegrist praised the decision to extradite Figueredo to Uruguay rather than the United States. He will be held at a federal detention center in Montevideo until he is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 18. The New York Times reported Figueredo was admitted to the hospital late Friday night with chest pains. The U.S. Department of Justice accuses Figueredo of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering. In what may be the largest corruption scandal in professional sports, 41 people and entities are charged with in a scheme to "solicit and receive" upwards of $200 million in kickbacks to select host countries for the world cup as well as awarding television rights and sponsorships. Earlier this week, FIFA president Sepp Blatter was slapped with an eight-year ban from the sport, along with Michel Platini, the head of the Union of European Football Associations. The BBC reported both men continue to deny any wrongdoing.
