A British FIFA official, Jack Edward Coles, has been arrested in Miami on serious charges related to the enticement of a minor.
The 39-year-old, who worked as a project lead at FIFA Sound, was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to meet a 14-year-old boy for sexual activity.
Reports indicate that federal agents detained him at a hotel near FIFA’s offices, where he had unknowingly arranged to meet the minor while under surveillance.
According to The Miami Herald Coles initially came into contact with the boy on the dating app Grindr in October last year.
The teenager reportedly told him he was 16 years old at the time.
However, despite this, Coles allegedly arranged for the boy to visit him at a hotel, provided him with alcohol, and engaged in sexual acts with him.
Moreover, messages between the two suggested that Coles intended to meet the minor again, unaware that law enforcement had taken control of the teenager’s social media account.
On February 2, he messaged, “I’m back Wednesday to Saturday, so I see u.” Shortly after, he was arrested when a federal agent arrived in the Uber he had ordered for the boy.
Meanwhile, FIFA has swiftly distanced itself from the scandal, confirming Coles’ suspension with immediate effect.
In a statement, the football governing body declared,
“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.”
Furthermore, the organization made it clear that he will not be performing any duties until further notice.
The case has sparked widespread condemnation, with many emphasizing the need for strict legal action against those who exploit minors.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated the severity of the charges, which include traveling to the United States with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.
Coles, who was initially held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami, has since been released, though legal proceedings against him continue.
