Ex Fifa vice-president Jeffrey Webb pleads not guilty in US court, posts US$10 million bond

Former Fifa vice president Jeffrey Webb appeared before a judge Saturday, entering a not guilty plea in the massive racketeering and bribery case.

Webb posted a US$10 million bond at his arraignment in federal court. He surrendered three passports – two from the United Kingdom and one from the Cayman Islands – and will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of his release.

Webb’s bond was secured by 10 different people including his wife and her parents, who were in the courtroom. They posted real estate, retirement accounts, automobiles and jewellery as part of the bond. He did not speak except to say “Yes, your honour” when the judge asked if he understood the charges.

Afterward, Webb’s lawyer, Edward O’Callaghan, did not comment. Prosecutors also declined comment.

Webb, 50, was among seven Fifa officials detained in Switzerland last spring. Prosecutors allege the defendants plotted to pay bribes of more than US$150 million – tied to the award of broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and other tournaments – over a 24-year period.