FIFA fires Jerome Valcke after corruption allegations

FIFA has fired Secretary General Jerome Valcke amid allegations of corruption involving World Cup ticket sales. The Frenchman, who worked alongside banned president Sepp Blatter for nearly a decade, was already facing a nine-year ban from all football-related activities. FIFA's ethics committee opened formal proceedings against Valcke last week. He has now been dismissed from the organisation. Valcke is accused of involvement in a black market scheme to profit from the sale of World Cup tickets. He is also facing charges linked to “conflict of interest”, as well as offering and accepting gifts. The secretary general's duties will continue to be carried out by Acting Secretary General Markus Kattner.