FIFA Employee Arrested in Miami in Alleged Underage Sex Case
Employee Detained on Suspicion of Sex Crimes
A staffer at FIFA has reportedly been arrested in Miami on suspicion of having sex with an underage boy while on a work trip from Zurich last year.
FIFA Responds to Allegations
“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world soccer body said in a statement Wednesday.
Employee Suspended
“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it said.
Details of the Allegations
The Miami Herald reported that Jack Coles was detained Friday by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables, Florida.
About the Accused
Coles is a project leader with FIFA Sound, the department that organizes music for the soccer body’s events and broadcasts. He is a 39-year-old British national.
Alleged Offenses
Coles is alleged to have met a 14-year-old boy through a men’s dating app last October, and allegedly tried to meet with him again last week. The boy reportedly told Coles he was 16, and was later in contact with federal investigators.
Criminal Charges
A federal criminal complaint said Coles is charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
FIFA’s US Operations
FIFA opened a United States base in Coral Gables in 2023 ahead of two major tournaments being hosted in the country. It also moved its legal department there from headquarters in Zurich.
Upcoming Tournaments
The first 32-team Club World Cup being played in 11 U.S. cities opens June 14 in Miami, when Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami plays Al Ahly of Egypt at the Miami Dolphins’ home stadium. The U.S. stages most of the 104 games at the men’s 2026 World Cup it is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 next year. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will have seven games.
Conclusion
The allegations against Coles are serious and disturbing, and FIFA has taken immediate action by suspending him from his duties. The soccer world is waiting with bated breath for the outcome of the legal proceedings.
FAQs
* Who is the accused? Jack Coles, a 39-year-old British national and project leader with FIFA Sound.
* What are the alleged offenses? Enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
* What is the current status of the case? The case is ongoing, with Coles suspended from his duties at FIFA pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
* What does FIFA say about the allegations? “FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA.”
