CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Guatemala | 2016 In October 2016, Guatemala was suspended by FIFA after a transitional committee appointed by the apex body, to run the federation in the wake of a corruption scandal, failed to operate because directors of the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala refused to recognise the committee.

Detailed explanation-2: -More than two dozen FIFA officials and their associates were implicated in a 24-year self-enrichment scheme that reached the highest levels of FIFA management. Central to the scandal were accusations of bribery connected to the awarding of hosting rights for the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Detailed explanation-3: -Guatemala was banned in October 2016. The decision was taken after the Directors of the Football Federation refused to recognise the committee saying it is against the country’s laws. The ban was finally lifted in 2018.

Detailed explanation-4: -Vasquez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in August 2021. The defendant was indicted in November 2015 and extradited to the United States from El Salvador in 2021. As part of his plea agreement, Vasquez had previously agreed to forfeit $360, 000 to the government.