Switzerland to quiz Interpol on FIFA donation

Switzerland to quiz Interpol on FIFA donation

Published Jun. 8, 2011 2:36 p.m. ET

Switzerland's government plans to ask Interpol whether the agency's independence is affected by accepting a $29 million donation from FIFA.

Responding to a lawmaker's request, the Swiss federal council promises to raise the issue at Interpol's general assembly. FIFA is funding Interpol for a 10-year project in Singapore to help tackle match-fixing.

The seven-member federal council includes Micheline Calmy-Rey, Switzerland's president who rebuked FIFA at its congress in Zurich last week.

Calmy-Rey advised FIFA to ''take seriously the many criticisms voiced about corruption and a lack of transparency'' after a series of scandals.

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Her government is currently reviewing Swiss-based sports bodies' exemptions from anti-corruption business laws.

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