QCOSTARICA – The Swiss government approved on Tuesday the extradition of Eduardo Li, the former president of the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (FEDEFUT) – Costa Rican Soccer Association, to the United States.
Li now has 30 days to appeal.
On May 27, Li was arrested for allegedly taking bribes from American companies in return for rights on 2018 World Cup marketing.
Arrested in Switzerland, Li has been sitting in a Swiss mail while U.S. authorities work through the international legal system to have him on U.S. soil.
Swiss authorities said in a statement that the U.S. has met all conditions for extradition.
“By accepting bribes for the award of sports marketing contracts, Li massively influenced the competitive situation and distorted the market for media rights in connection with the World Cup qualifying matches,” the Swiss Federal Office of Justice said in a statement, referencing the extradition request.
Costa Rica authorities have also opened an investigation against Li.
A civil engineer and son of Chinese immigrants, Li became involved in football in 2004 after buying the franchise of a first division club in Costa Rica. He was credited with some of the recent successes of Costa Rica, including the national team’s appearance in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
