CONCACAF holds first major event since FIFA scandal

Federation officials gather in Miami Beach for league tournament draw

MIAMI – It was back to business for CONCACAF -- the federation held its first major event since the FIFA scandal erupted.

Federation officials with the governing body for association football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean gathered at the New World Symphony Monday night in Miami Beach to host the 2015-16 Champions League tournament draw.

CONCACAF's acting general secretary spoke to media about the scandal.

"Disappointed, shocked that this could happen again after four years ago," Ted Howard said of the scandal.

Last week, federal authorities left CONCOCAF's Miami office with boxes filled with evidence according to the FBI that showed a $150 million bribery scheme involving top FIFA officials.

Allegations included kickbacks for contracts, bribes for cities to host the World Cup and more.

Among the 14 officials indicted was the president of CONCACAF and the vice president of FIFA, Jeffrey Webb.

Howard said CONCOCAF is working to earn the public's trust once again, stopping short of promising to make the federation's finances public following the scandal.

He said new measures have been put into place, including a three-person panel to oversee various departments within CONCOCAF.

Howard told Local 10 News that CONCOCAF continues to work with federal authorities who are investigating to see how many people were involved.

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Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.