FIFA Suspends Audit Committee Member Canover Watson Amid Corruption Probe
FIFA has suspended Canover Watson, a member of its Audit and Compliance Committee, following his arrest in connection with a corruption and money laundering investigation in the Cayman Islands.
Watson, who represents the Caribbean nation within world football’s governing body, was taken into custody earlier this month and later released on bail. In response, FIFA announced his immediate suspension “until further notice,” a move aimed at preserving the integrity of its governance amid ongoing scrutiny over corruption within the organization.
The suspension, however, comes with a notable caveat. According to Domenico Scala, chairman of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee, there is currently no evidence linking Watson’s alleged criminal activities directly to football or his role at FIFA. “After an initial review of the facts, based on the investigations carried out by Cayman Islands authorities, no connection has been established with football or Mr. Watson’s role within FIFA,” Scala stated.
Nonetheless, the decision to suspend Watson underscores FIFA’s cautious approach as it continues to navigate through waves of controversy and reputational damage linked to corruption scandals. The governing body stressed that the suspension does not imply guilt but reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the need to uphold ethical standards.
Watson, a prominent businessman in the Cayman Islands, had previously served as chairman of the Health Services Authority and was reportedly involved in contracts linked to public procurement—areas now under investigation by local authorities. While FIFA has distanced itself from the legal proceedings, the optics of a senior audit committee member being embroiled in a corruption case are once again raising questions about the effectiveness of FIFA’s internal oversight mechanisms.
FIFA has been under intense global scrutiny in recent years over a series of corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. The latest development is likely to fuel ongoing demands for deeper reform and transparency within the organization.
As investigations continue in the Cayman Islands, FIFA has reiterated its commitment to the presumption of innocence but maintains that Watson will remain suspended while the legal process unfolds.
