Swiss authorities have seized computer equipment from FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s offices as part of an investigation into corruption in football’s governing body.
Prosecutors took IT data from both Blatter and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke’s headquarters in the Swiss city of Zurich.
“I can confirm that FIFA handed over today seized IT data to the OAG,” said a spokesman for Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General.
“As already communicated, the OAG has opened criminal proceedings against persons unknown.”
FIFA were not immediately available for comment.
Last month, the OAG opened criminal proceedings against individuals suspected of corruption over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar.
The seizure of Blatter’s computer records came hours after FIFA postponed the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup.
Bidding had been due to begin shortly, with a vote to choose the host scheduled to be held at the FIFA Congress in May 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.
Valcke told a news conference: “Due to the situation, I think it’s nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being. It will be postponed.”
He also defended his handling of a $10 million (£6.5 million) payment from South Africa that the FBI alleges was a bribe to award it the 2010 World Cup.
The payment was officially described as a payment from South Africa 2010 World Cup profits to a “diaspora programme” in the Caribbean.
It was authorised by Valcke after he received a letter from the South African Football Association asking FIFA to deduct the money and forward it.
Valcke said: “It was not FIFA’s money. It was a request from official South African authorities and SAFA. As long as it is in line with rules we do it.
“I don’t understand what’s the problem and why I am such a target in this question.”
Then, addressing the media during a news conference, he said: “You have decided that after Blatter I am the head to be cut? Fine – but don’t say it is because of this $10 million.”
Last week, Blatter announced he would resign as FIFA President.
The FBI has released a damning 47-count indictment in its FIFA criminal investigation.
Seven serving FIFA officials have been arrested in Switzerland on corruption charges, including vice-presidents Jeffrey Webb – the current CONCACAF president – and Eugenio Figueredo from Uruguay, along with Eduardo Li, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel and Jose Maria Marin.
In addition, two former FIFA officials, Jack Warner – the former president of CONCACAF – and Nicolas Leoz have been indicted.
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