World football's governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association filed a claim in the United States Attorney office in New York on Wednesday, seeking the restitution of millions of dollars, which it claims were paid illegally to corrupt FIFA members and other officials.

The biggest revelation from the documents that were submitted were that FIFA officials had transferred up to $10 million in bribes to then-executive committee members to ensure that they voted for South Africa as hosts for the 2010 World Cup. FIFA is also seeking to re-claim an additional figure of $28.2 million for payments to corrupt officials, the cost of its legal expenses and damages to its reputation.

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The defendants named in the case are former high-profile football administrators, including Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner and Jeffrey Webb, who have recently been implicated for corrupt activities.

"The defendants diverted this money not just from FIFA but from players, coaches and fans worldwide who benefit from the programmes that FIFA runs to develop and promote football. These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewellery and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives," said Infantino.

"The convicted defendants abused the positions of trust they held at FIFA and other international football organisations and caused serious and lasting damage to FIFA, its member associations and the football community. The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game. FIFA as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.