Caption: Jack Warner
Dear Editor,
I am not surprised that former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner is now free and cannot be extradited to the United States.
On September 23, Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process against him was flawed and has permanently stopped it.
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This outcome raises troubling questions. Does justice in our country depend on access to resources and influence? What role will Warner now be given under our new prime minister? Could he sue the government for taking so long to address these issues? Will his sons continue to be monitored by the US government?
He was one of 14 officials charged in the 2015 US FIFA corruption scandal. Unlike many of his co-accused—who pleaded guilty, were jailed, or banned from football—he alone has managed to resist extradition for more than a decade.
In his role at FIFA, Warner was indicted in the United States on 12 charges, including racketeering, wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery. These charges stemmed from allegations that he sought or accepted millions in bribes and kickbacks related to FIFA’s media and marketing rights.
Several other FIFA members went to jail and served their time on similar charges. While these matters were before the courts, Warner did not travel internationally for at least 10 years, given the outstanding indictment. Will he be travelling again soon?
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As a nation, we cannot just call this case closed and move on.
Our extradition laws must be strengthened, and transparency from the Attorney General’s office and the courts must be demanded. Our national reputation must also be protected. If we fail to act, we send the message that privilege wins over principle — and that is a dangerous legacy to leave behind.
Dennise Demming, MSc, MBA
