NEW YORK (AP) — The former president of Honduras and a former FIFA vice president extradited from Switzerland have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the sprawling investigation of bribes and kickbacks involving soccer's governing body.
Former Honduras President Rafael Callejas (kuh-YAY'-hahs) pleaded not guilty to bribery charges through his lawyer on Tuesday. Former FIFA vice president Juan Angel Napout also pleaded not guilty to racketeering, conspiracy and wire fraud and was released on a $20 million bond.
Honduras officials said Callejas came to New York on the advice of his lawyers.
Callejas served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994. He's a current member of FIFA's television and marketing committee.
About 20 soccer officials have been indicted on charges stemming from the U.S. investigation of corruption in the sport.
