The president of the Chilean soccer federation abruptly took a “medical leave” this week and flew to the U.S. to serve as an FBI informant into FIFA corruption, sources say.
Sergio Jadue traveled to the United States after being served with a subpoena on November 13 as part of an investigation into corruption concerning how the league allocates money for salaries.
Only hours after the subpoena was served, Jadue announced he was taking a medical leave from his position but then jumped on a plane to America.
An ANFP spokesman confirmed to wire service Reuters that Jadue traveled to Miami and that he has applied for a medical leave.
“He has a special permission for a 30-day medical leave and he continues to be the ANFP’s president,” the source said.
“It’s not a holiday,” a Chilean newspaper added. “He is due back May 10 next year. Jadue is traveling as a protected informant of U.S. justice.”
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted 14 people associated with FIFA and its various business interests on charges of bribery, racketeering, and money laundering.
Other FIFA officials have also threatened to become informers. Jack Warner, a troubled ex-member of international soccer’s governing body, has threatened to release an “avalanche” of secrets to drag the whole organization down with him.
International soccer has been under scrutiny for years, though.
After seven members of soccer’s governing body were charged with corruption in May, companies such as Coke, Visa, and Adidas quickly warned FIFA of a reconsideration of further support of international soccer and threatened to drop sponsorship unless the group addressed charges of corruption.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com
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