Former Soccer Power Broker Chuck Blazer Banned from the Sport

Chuck Blazer, the once powerful FIFA soccer executive, has been banned for life by his former employer from the sport he loves, according to reports.

A former New Rochelle resident, who got his start shuttling his then young son to soccer games and camps - many of which he coached - in the 1970s, Blazer is at the center of the wide-ranging criminal probe into FIFA’s dealings.

The New York Times reports that FIFA announced the decision Thursday, citing the accusations against, and confession by, Blazer, who admitted to taking bribes in connection with bids to host World Cups.

Blazer, who is 70 years old and in poor health, made the admission in 2013, which eventually led to the arrests of several FIFA executives on charges of alleged corruption. The investigation, launched in the United States, also led to former FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s resignation.

Click here to read the full story on The New York Times website.

Photo: Chuck Blazer. Photo credit: FIFA.com