FIFA will still use Jack Warner as a witness in their bribery investigation even though on Monday he resigned his position as the body’s vice-president, and all other football-related roles.
Warner was one of the FIFA members under suspicion after Mohamed bin Hammam was alleged to have offered cash for votes in his bid to become the new head of FIFA and oust Sepp Blatter. But Warner’s CONCACAF colleague Chuck Blazer blew the whistle on the payment plan leading to both Bin Hammam and Warner being suspended.
Warner’s decision to stand down ended all possible action by FIFA as, under Swiss law, the ethics committee has no jurisdiction over people not in the organisation. Despite the cloud hanging over Warner’s head he will still be able to give evidence against others.
Caribbean football associations, including the Cayman Islands, are alleged to have received cash gifts totalling $1 million. Cayman was one of the territories that did not accept the $40,000 inducement.
Warner issued a parting shot claiming the giving of “gifts” has always been part of the culture of FIFA during his 30 years in the organisation and that he had been “hung out to dry”.
He added: “It’s not unusual for such things to happen and gifts have been around throughout the history of FIFA. What’s happening now for me is hypocrisy.”
Jeffrey Webb, president of the Cayman Islands Football Association, said: “I am deeply saddened over the recent developments that have rocked the core of Caribbean football. On Monday, one of the founding members of the Caribbean Football Union, Jack Austin Warner, resigned from the FIFA, the CONCACAF and the CFU.
“Jack was the longest serving member on the FIFA Executive Committee and has served the sport for over 30 years. The region has benefitted from his vision, his dedication, and his commitment to football.
“The contentious issues that have plagued the CONCACAF and the CFU for the past month are globally known. Unfortunately, there will be no winners once the dust clears, and it will fall on the shoulders of the national associations to work together to ensure the continuity and the development of the CONCACAF and the CFU, and also regain the trust and the respect of all who enjoy this beautiful game.
“Jack has provided us with a strong foundation from which to build and we must not make the allegations surrounding his departure diminish his contribution to the region and the world. Generations to come will be the beneficiaries of his tireless work.
“One thing is clear, it is only through cooperation that we, as a region, will maintain our presence and significance on the world stage, and I am confident that we will emerge better and stronger from this experience.”
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