FIFA, UEFA weigh action against Kvedaras

FIFA and UEFA said on Tuesday they are studying corruption allegations involving Lithuanian football federation leader Julius Kvedaras before deciding if he can remain one of their committee members. A Lithuanian court has ordered Kvedaras to step down as LFF president for six months during a probe into whether he illegally took football funds. Lithuanian media reports say the investigation involves project funding given by UEFA. “FIFA and UEFA are closely following the situation and are in contact with the member association in Lithuania, and the relevant authorities,” FIFA said in a statement. “FIFA and UEFA will formalize their position after fully analyzing facts.” Kvedaras is a member of FIFA’s development committee which allocates millions of dollars each year in project funds for national federations. It next meets Sept. 25 in Zurich. FIFA President Sepp Blatter has pledged zero-tolerance of corruption as part of his drive to reform world football after a series of bribery and election scandals.