{{GENEVA, July 2}}- {Switzerland said Thursday the United States had formally requested the extradition of seven FIFA officials arrested in May in a wide-ranging probe into corruption in football’s top body.}
“On July 1, the US embassy in Bern sent Switzerland formal extradition requests, within the timeframe set down in the bilateral extradition treaty,” the federal office of justice said in a statement.
The United States had until July 3 to submit the extradition requests.
The seven were arrested in dawn raids at their hotel in Zurich on May 27, the first day of a FIFA Executive Congress.
They are among 14 people from North and South America that US authorities have charged over alleged involvement in more than $ 150 million of bribes for football deals.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said he would stand down following the allegations but has since indicated he might be a candidate in the new election.
The officials are fighting extradition.
{{Agencies}}
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