US Requests Extradition Of FIFA Officials From Switzerland

Seven FIFA officials arrested in May by Swiss authorities could be coming to the U.S. in the near future. 

Switzerland's Federal Office of Justice has announced it received extradition papers from the U.S. Embassy to have the seven current and former FIFA officials extradited. 

The requests were received on July 1, within the two-side's 40-day extradition treaty window. In all, nine FIFA officials are facing charges in the U.S. for racketeering, bribery and more. (Video via Channel 4 News) 

"They did this over and over, year after year, tournament after tournament," United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch said. 

Despite the filing, it could still be a while until the FIFA officials potentially see a day in U.S. court. 

"It could be anywhere from months to years. It remains to [be seen] whether extradition is granted, whether there's an appeal, how many lawyers they have on the case to layer their arguments and drag out the process," George Washington University Law School Assistant Dean Jessica Tillipman told ESPN.

Under Swiss law, the accused are allowed to review the extradition request and appeal it more than once if they so choose. According to the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, at least six of the seven arrested are opposed to extradition. (Video via CNBC) 

"I think we're going to look at a swift decision given that some of these people are very elderly and not very comfortable being in a cell somewhere near Zurich," France 24's John Zarocostas reports.

The FIFA officials have 14 days to respond to the requests.

This video includes images from Getty Images.