South African Police Investigating World Cup Bribes

South African authorities have opened a “preliminary” investigation into World Cup bribery allegations

In this Sunday June 6, 2010 file photo FIFA President Joseph Blatter holds the trophy after receiving it back from South African President Jacob Zuma during a media briefing on the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Pretoria, South Africa. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe,

CAPE TOWN, South Africa—South African authorities have opened a “preliminary” investigation into World Cup bribery allegations, and an opposition lawmaker said Thursday he had information suggesting “high-level” involvement.

Anton Alberts of the Freedom Front Plus said the information his party received claimed a previous investigation into “irregular” payments around the World Cup bid was stopped by “high-level interference.”

“It (the information) does tell us of an event that took place and an investigation that was stunted from a political level,” said Alberts, an opposition member of parliament.

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