Trinidad Court Blocks Extradition of Former FIFA Vice President to the United States

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago — A high court in Trinidad and Tobago has ruled that former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner will not be extradited to the United States, ending a long-running legal battle tied to international football corruption investigations.

The ruling came after years of legal wrangling over Washington’s request to extradite Warner on multiple charges linked to alleged bribery and corruption in global football. On Monday, the court determined that the extradition request would not proceed, citing procedural and legal grounds that effectively shield the former football executive from facing trial in the United States.

Warner’s Position

Warner, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, welcomed the judgment as a victory for both himself and Trinidad’s legal system. Speaking after the decision, he emphasized his stance that the allegations were politically motivated and reiterated that he had no intention of leaving his homeland to face trial abroad.

Background on the Case

The extradition bid stemmed from a wide-reaching U.S. probe into corruption within FIFA, which led to several arrests and convictions of football officials around the world. Warner, once one of the most powerful figures in global football, was accused of involvement in multimillion-dollar bribery schemes connected to media rights and tournament hosting bids.

Implications

The court’s decision represents a major setback for U.S. prosecutors, who had sought to bring Warner to trial as part of efforts to clean up governance in international football. For Trinidad and Tobago, the ruling reinforces the country’s legal independence in the face of international pressure.