FIFA Scandal Fires Up As South Africa Admits $10m Football Payout

In the heat of the controversy rocking the world football governing body, FIFA, local media in South Africa, on Sunday, May 31, reported that the country paid $10m Jack Warner, a figure at the centre of the corruption allegations.

Head of South Africa's FA, Danny Jordaan, was quoted as stating that the amount was deducted from a FIFA payment to the country in 2008.

However, reports said that South African officials refuted the money being a bribe to secure the 2010 World Cup.

Nonetheless, U.S. prosecutors have insisted that South Africa made an illegal payment after the government promised $10m to Warner ; then a FIFA vice-president, in exchange for the country becoming the first African country to host the World Cup.

FIFA chose South Africa as host ahead of Morocco.

Although the country's FA Head could not be reached for comment on Sunday, May 31, he was quoted as insisting the money was paid to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in 2008 as South Africa's contribution towards their football development fund.