Canover Watson, one of FIFA's eight financial watchdogs has been relieved of his duties after a suspicion of breach of trust contrary to the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Law and abuse of public office as well. 

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The chairman of the Federation of International Football Association's audit and compliance committee Domenico Scala has announced Watson has been relieved of his duties until the outcome of the pending investigation. He has denied all charges against him and posted bail which will be valid up until September 29 only.

"The chairman has decided to temporarily relieve until further notice Canover Watson, to whom the presumption of innocence applies, of his duties on the FIFA audit and compliance committee. This should not be regarded as routine procedure, because cases like this or of this nature must always be assessed on their individual merits."  Scala said.

Scala also said that the allegations of the Cayman Island investigating authorities against Canover Watson were in no connection with football or his role at association level that has been established at this stage after a preliminary clarification of the facts of the case

It is stated under Section 19 of the Anti-Corruption Law of 2008, decisions taken by public officers which have "personal interest" where those decisions are not disclosed and/or where the public officer "votes or otherwise takes part in proceedings of the government entity related to such personal interest." To do so is an offense under the Anti-Corruption Law, carrying a prison term of up to five years. 

Watson issued a statement early in September insisting on his innocence of all wrongdoing. 

The vice president of the Caribbean Football Union and member of FIFA's financial division was arrested by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Anti-Corruption Unit. Police officers declined earlier to release further details as to the conditions of his bail. 

TagsFootball, Soccer, Watson, Money-Laundering, arrest