Various FIFA officials arrested on corruption charges on Wednesday

Various officials of football's governing body FIFA were arrested in Switzerland on Wednesday morning on corruption charges, as reported by The New York Times.

The operation took place in the early hours of the day at the five-star Baur au Lac hotel, where they were staying ahead of the organisation's annual meeting. 

The newspaper explains that one official, Eduardo Li of Costa Rica, "was led by the authorities from his room to a side-door exit of the hotel. He was allowed to bring his luggage."

Among the charges, following an investigation by the FBI, "widespread corruption in FIFA over the past two decades, involving bids for World Cups as well as marketing and broadcast deals."

"The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted," said Loretta Lynch, who is a New York attorney general.

"It spans at least two generations of football officials, who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter was not among those arrested, though. 

Amogn those that have been arrested are: 

Eduardo Li, Jeffrey Webb, Eugenio Figueredo, Jack Warner, Julio Rocha, Costas Takkas, Rafael Esquivel, José Maria Marin and Nicolás Leoz.