Hugo and Mariano Jinkis reach agreement with US prosecutors in FIFA bribery case

Former fugitives from Argentina, Hugo Jinkis and his son Mariano, have reached a deferred prosecution agreement with U.S. prosecutors regarding a major multi-million dollar bribery case. The duo admitted to involvement in a scheme that facilitated bribes to South American football officials in exchange for lucrative television and sponsorship rights for major tournaments organized by FIFA.

The case has been part of a long-standing federal investigation into systemic corruption within global football, with initial charges dating back over a decade. The defendants are scheduled to appear in a federal court in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 27, to finalize the terms of the agreement. While specific details of the arrangement remain confidential, sources suggest that such agreements typically allow for the dismissal of criminal charges provided the defendants comply with established conditions set by the court.

This development marks a significant conclusion to a legal process that spanned many years, as the pair had previously evaded authorities. The upcoming court appearance aims to formalize the resolution of these long-standing bribery allegations, effectively ending the criminal proceedings against the two Argentine nationals.