Former CBF President Spends US$ 614,000 to Avoid Imprisonment in the US

06/30/2015 - 10h10

The Brazilian Football Confederation ex-president José Maria Marin, 83, who was arrested in Switzerland 34 days ago following accusations of involvement in a corruption scheme, has already spent R$1.9 million (US$ 614,000) on his defense, which primarily aims to prevent him from having to serve prison time in North America.

Nearly half of the money was spent in Switzerland in an attempt to keep him from being extradited to the US.

The US Justice has until Friday (3) to present a request for the extradition of Marin and six other world soccer leaders that have been detained in prison near Zurich.

From the start, the lawyers will attempt to prevent their transfer, but they already have cards up their sleeve in case of defeat.

Folha learned that two of the firms hired by family and friends of the leader–for almost R$1 million (US$ 323,000)–are already prepared to sign an agreement with the US government which would allow him to remain at the Justice's disposal and pay damages to the country.

The agreement, as designed by the leader's defense, does not allow for the confession of guilt or even plea bargaining. Marin refuses to recall information about the case for the US Justice.

The goal of the defense, in case of the extradition will be approved, is to keep him out of the prisons of New York. Due to his age, the defense has proposed he receive parole.

In the event that he is sent to the US, the idea is to request that Marin be allowed to respond to the lawsuit under house arrest. The powerful leader has an apartment in New York.

If extradition is denied, the strategy would be to appeal to the Swiss Justice so that Marin can remain in the european country while he responds to the lawsuit in the US.

Translated by SUGHEY RAMIREZ

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