A former Argentine businessman, who pleaded guilty in an investigation by the International Football Federation (FIFA) into corruption, will not serve jail time after his testimony helped U.S. authorities convict several officials in South American football. Judge Pamela Chen of the federal court in Brooklyn ruled on Friday that Alejandro Burzaco, the former president of the Argentine sports marketing company Torneos y Competencias, has served his sentence and will not be fined.
Authorities had previously fined Burzaco around $21.7 million. In 2015, Burzaco (58 years old) pleaded guilty to three charges: conspiracy to commit extortion, fraud, and money laundering, and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. The defendant admitted to paying bribes to FIFA officials and regional organizations affiliated with FIFA to secure marketing rights for tournaments, including the World Cup and Copa América.
Burzaco's attorney, Jim Walden, stated in an interview, "We are pleased (with the ruling). Alejandro and his family are grateful to Judge Chen for her understanding and wisdom, and to the prosecutors for recognizing the significant good that Alejandro has done."
Prosecutors did not recommend a specific sentence for Burzaco. There was no additional comment from Breon Peace, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn.
