The long-running corruption saga surrounding world football has taken another decisive turn, as former FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke has been found guilty in a high-profile corruption case.

Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court also handed down a guilty verdict to Greek businessman Dinos Deris in the same proceedings, according to reports from British journalist Ben Jacobs. The ruling reinforces the scale of misconduct that once engulfed football’s governing body at the highest level.

Back in July 2022, Jérôme Valcke and Dinos Deris were convicted on bribery charges linked to the sale of television broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA World Cup 2030. Investigators concluded that Valcke conspired to unlawfully secure those rights, receiving a bribe worth €1.25 million and taking part in document falsification.

As a result of that verdict, Valcke was handed an 11-month suspended prison sentence. The case has since become one of the most prominent examples of the systemic corruption that plagued FIFA during the previous decade.

Jérôme Valcke served as FIFA Secretary General from June 2007 and was one of the most powerful figures in global football administration. He was suspended from his duties in September 2015 amid mounting allegations and formally dismissed in January 2016.