FIFA has suspended a British man, who works for the world football governing body, after he was arrested in Miami on suspicion of having sex with an underage boy.
Jack Coles was detained on Friday by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in the Coral Gables neighbourhood, according to the Miami Herald.
He is alleged to have met a 14-year-old boy through a men’s dating app last October while on a work trip from Zurich.
He allegedly tried to meet with him again last week.
The boy reportedly told Mr Coles he was 16, and was later in contact with federal investigators.
Mr Coles is a project leader with FIFA Sound, the department which organises music for the body’s events and broadcasts.
“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offences are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world football governing body said in a statement.
“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it added.
According to the Miami Herald, Mr Coles was arrested on suspicion of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities.
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He is also under investigation accused of travelling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
FIFA opened a base in Coral Gables in 2023, ahead of the 2026 World Cup which is being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico.
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According to FIFA’s website, the Legal and Compliance Division in Coral Gables comprises around 100 staff members, from more than 30 different countries.
It hosts the ethics and disciplinary committees along with the integrity and regulatory enforcement departments, among others.
