Swiss prosecutor in FIFA probe hauled before MPs

Switzerland's attorney general, who is conducting investigations into alleged corruption at FIFA, will be hauled in front of the Swiss parliament's judicial committee, the body said.

Michael Lauber, the Alpine nation's top prosecutor, will be quizzed at the committee's next meeting on May 20.

The committee of lawmakers "then intends to decide on the possible opening of a revocation procedure against him," it said in a statement.

In Switzerland, the attorney general is chosen by parliamentarians.

Lauber was investigated by the supervisory authority watchdog that oversees his office with regard to his informal meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the head of world football's governing body, in 2016 and 2017.

The committee said it had noted the disciplinary decision taken by the watchdog on March 2 to sanction Lauber by cutting his salary.

That investigation found that Lauber committed "very serious breaches" before, but also during the disciplinary proceedings, said the committee.

"These included statements contrary to the truth, violation of the duty of loyalty or obstruction of the disciplinary investigation," it said.

Lauber appealed against that decision.

The prosecutor accuses the watchdog of having made several procedural errors, exceeding its powers and "being biased", the committee said.

If the committee is aware of facts "seriously implicating the professional and personal suitability of the attorney general", then it "must decide whether or not to initiate revocation proceedings," the body said.

"In view of the current situation, it decided to hear from Mr Lauber at its meeting on May 20."
- Swirl of allegations -
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