FBF chief Marco Rodriguez arrested by police
The interim head of Bolivias football federation (FBF) Marco Rodriguez has been arrested by police over allegations of corruption.
Rodriguez was arrested and detained during Thursdays 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match with Ecuador, an associate said.
Plainclothes police surprised Rodriguez while he was sitting in the stands with players not involved in the game at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz.
Some clubs and the professional football players union in Bolivia had accused Rodriguez of corruption and illegal profiteering.
He has also failed to comply with a court ruling that forces him to leave the presidency of the FBF.
Various factions are vying for control of the body.
Votes are scheduled for Friday and Saturday for the 2020-2022 presidency of the FBF.
We believe that there has been bad faith here. We believe that the ultimate goal is not to have an election, said Gaston Uribe, the executive director of the FBF and a close associate of Rodriguez.
Police came on a special commission to apprehend Marco Rodrguez, he said.
Uribe said Rodriguez had suffered sudden health problems when the police tried to transfer him from La Paz to the city of Santa Cruz to continue the judicial process.
He added that he was consequently admitted to hospital.
Ecuador won the game 3-2 thanks to a late penalty kick. (Reuters/NAN)
Source: NAN News