#FIFAgate: Does this mean all of the FIFA games for the past two decades are fake?

ESTADOS UNIDOS.- Earlier today several high-ranking FIFA officials, including two of its current vice presidents, were arrested in Switzerland on fraud charges and are awaiting extradition to the US. This includes a widespread corruption for the past two decades that can be worth more than $100 million. So, does this mean our soccer teams won […]

Por José Sánchez el April 13, 2017

ESTADOS UNIDOS.- Earlier today several high-ranking FIFA officials, including two of its current vice presidents, were arrested in Switzerland on fraud charges and are awaiting extradition to the US. This includes a widespread corruption for the past two decades that can be worth more than $100 million. So, does this mean our soccer teams won because of corruption? Maybe…

VIDEO: US Government arrests FIFA executives for corruption and money laundering

Growing up, we are taught to love our family's favorite soccer team, wear their jerseys, sing the anthem and above all, to be passionate in the sport. And maybe go on to be a player for that team, so this news can be a game-changer for everyone when it comes to our respect for the organization that governs this "beautiful sport."

As reported by the New York Times, payments were made in various schemes.

After committing fraud, bribery and money laundering, prosecutors wrote, defendants covered up those payments in various ways: using fake consulting contracts to funnel illegal payments; sending money through associates working in banking or currency dealing; creating shell companies in tax havens; hiding foreign bank accounts; using safe deposit boxes; and "bulk cash smuggling."

Another bribe involved was the South Africa's bid for the 2010 World Cup. Jack Warner, an ex member of the FIFA executive committee, sent an associate to France in order for him to accept a briefcase full of $10,000 in cash from a South African bid committee member. That case was later returned to Warner himself.

Here are the names of some of the soccer officials being charged:

Eduardo Li
Jeffrey Webb
Eugenio Figueredo
Jack Warner
Julio Rocha
Costas Takkas
Rafael Esquivel
José Maria Marin
Nicolás Leoz

There is still no evidence that the winnings were part of this corruption scheme, but it surely makes us wonder what was real or not. Here are some of the reactions people are getting after the scandal: