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Tokyo
Sexwale
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FIFA presidential
candidate Tokyo Sexwale has appeared before a US grand jury in New York as part
of an on-going investigation into World Cup bribes. The BBC has learned that
he was questioned in relation to an alleged US$10m corrupt payment from South
Africa to ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner.
Sexwale
appeared as a potential witness at the FBI's request on December 17.
BBC Sport report continues:
He
was a member of the bid board that successfully campaigned for his home country
to host the 2010 World Cup.
He
has denied any wrongdoing and has previously described the allegations as
worrisome.
A
US criminal indictment claims the money was paid to Warner via a FIFA account,
disguised as football development cash, in order to secure votes for South
Africa's bid.
A
grand jury is empowered under US law to investigate potential criminal conduct
and determines whether criminal charges should be brought.
A
spokesman for Sexwale told the BBC: "He did appear before a grand jury.
The FBI said he needed to appear and he went as a potential witness."
Sexwale
is one of five candidates in the running for the Fifa presidency, with the
election taking place on 26 February.
The
news of the investigation into Sexwale comes after Sepp Blatter, the president
of world football's governing body, and UEFA boss Michel Platini were been suspended
for eight years from all football-related activities following an ethics
investigation.
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