December 15, 2015 - 2:09 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The former president of Honduras and a former FIFA vice-president extradited from Switzerland have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the sprawling investigation of bribes and kickbacks involving soccer's governing body.
Former Honduras President Rafael Callejas (kuh-YAY'-hahs) pleaded not guilty to bribery charges through his lawyer on Tuesday. Former FIFA vice-president Juan Angel Napout also pleaded not guilty to racketeering, conspiracy and wire fraud and was released on a $20 million bond.
Honduras officials said Callejas came to New York on the advice of his lawyers.
Callejas served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. He's a current member of FIFA's television and marketing committee.
About 20 soccer officials have been indicted on charges stemming from the U.S. investigation of corruption in the sport.
News from © The Associated Press, 2015