Nicolas Leoz resigns from FIFA ExCo

Leoz, who was made president for life of the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL in May last year, is one of the FIFA executives accused of receiving illicit payments from FIFA’s former marketing partner, ISL. 

In 2011, Lord David Triesman, former FA chairman and initial chairman of England's bid committee for the 2018 World Cup, claimed that Leoz had asked for a knighthood in return for supporting England's bid, writes the BBC. 

Leoz' resignation comes just days before rulings are expected to be announced in corruption investigations by FIFA's ethics committee.

In response to the resignation, FIFA issued a brief statement.

“FIFA has taken note of the formal resignation of Nicolás Leoz as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and as President of CONMEBOL for health and personal reasons. Nicolás Leoz informed FIFA of his decision to resign today by letter.” 

“In accordance with the FIFA Statutes, CONMEBOL will now have to decide immediately on the replacement of Nicolás Leoz as one of its representatives on the FIFA Executive Committee for the remaining period of office. “ 

Leoz is also set to step down as president of CONMEBOL, and joins a number of former FIFA executives who have left football in recent years amid corruption allegations.