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Political Football

"Presumption of innocence maintained" says FIFA as vice-president Jack Warner resigns

Investigation into bribery allegations against Warner closed.

FIFA HAS CONFIRMED that the Association’s vice-president, Jack Warner, has resigned from his portfolio of international footballing posts.

Warner, who was also President of the CONCACAF Association, was suspended from all official duties last month after football’s world governing body opened an ethics investigation into corruption allegations against him and presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam.

A statement issued by FIFA this afternoon indicated that following Warner’s resignation, all proceedings against him had been terminated with “the presumption of innocence” maintained.

FIFA also made clear that the Trinidadian was leaving the post “by his own volition” and that the Association “regrets the turn of events that have led to Mr Warner’s decision.”

A source close to Warner told Press Association Sport that he had taken the decision “for the good of the game” but refused to comment when asked if the 68-year-old had jumped before he was pushed.

He has taken the decision after speaking to his family. He believes it is in the best interests of Caribbean football and for the good of the game generally.

Innocent

The statement in full reads: “Jack A. Warner has informed FIFA about his resignation from his posts in international football.

“FIFA regrets the turn of events that have led to Mr Warner’s decision.

“His resignation has been accepted by world football’s governing body, and his contribution to international football and to Caribbean football in particular and the CONCACAF confederation are appreciated and acknowledged.

“Mr Warner is leaving FIFA by his own volition after nearly 30 years of service, having chosen to focus on his important work on behalf of the people and government of Trinidad and Tobago as a Cabinet Minister and as the Chairman of the United National Congress, the major party in his country’s coalition government.

“The FIFA Executive Committee, the FIFA President and the FIFA management thank Mr Warner for his services to Caribbean, CONCACAF and international football over his many years devoted to football at both regional and international level, and wish him well for the future.

“As a consequence of Mr Warner’s self-determined resignation, all Ethics Committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained.”

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