Disgraced former FIFA executive Chuck Blazer died Wednesday at the age of 72, his lawyers confirmed.
The former CONCACAF general secretary will be remembered for his part in the widespread corruption scandal that rocked FIFA and world football.
Blazer served as general secretary of CONCACAF from 1990 to 2011, and had a place on the FIFA executive committee 1996 to 2013. The New York Times first reported his passing.
The New York City native pleaded guilty in November 2013 to charges including racketeering, income tax evasion and money laundering related to his role in several FIFA corruption scandals. He ultimately acted as an FBI informant, providing information that led to the arrests of numerous FIFA officials in May 2015.
“Chuck hoped to help bring transparency, accountability and fair play to CONCACAF, FIFA and soccer as a whole,” his lawyers said in a statement. “Chuck also accepted responsibility for his own conduct by pleading guilty and owning up to his mistakes. Chuck felt profound sorrow and regret for his actions.”
USA national team coach Bruce Arena was asked about Blazer’s death following the USA’s 3-2 Gold Cup win over Martinique and told reporters: “I’m sorry for the passing of Chuck Blazer. I know his family and I pass along my condolences to them.”
Blazer, who received a lifetime ban from FIFA, reportedly had been suffering from colon cancer.
