FCPA Scorecard Blog
Sports Marketing Executive Pleads Guilty in FIFA Investigation
On October 20, the DOJ announced that Aaron Davidson, former president of Traffic Sports USA, Inc., pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges. His guilty plea came in response to allegations that Davidson negotiated and made bribe payments totaling more than $14 million on behalf of Traffic Sports USA to a high ranking soccer official in exchange for media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments and matches. As part of the plea, Davidson agreed to forfeit approximately half a million dollars and could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years for each count.
The guilty plea came as part of the U.S. government’s investigation into corruption in international soccer. It follows guilty pleas from Traffic Sports USA, Traffic Sports International Inc., and their owner José Hawilla, in connection with related charges brought by the DOJ.
Previous FCPA Scorecard coverage of the FIFA investigation can be found here.