Rafael Esquivel Pleads Guilty to Soccer Bribery Scheme

Rafael Esquivel, 70, the former president of the Venezuelan soccer federation, pleaded guilty this morning in federal court in Brooklyn to racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy, and three counts of money laundering conspiracy. The charges stem from his role in a sprawling bribery scheme tied to the sale of media and marketing rights for major international soccer tournaments, including the Copa Libertadores and Copa América.

Esquivel, who led the Venezuelan soccer federation from 1988 to 2015 and served as a vice president of South American soccer’s governing body, CONMEBOL, admitted to accepting millions in bribes from sports marketing companies. The payments were funneled through overseas bank accounts into U.S.-based accounts he controlled. He agreed as part of his plea to forfeit over $16 million in illicit proceeds.

The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen. At sentencing, Esquivel faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each count—a potential lifetime behind bars. His arrest on May 27, 2015, was part of a broader U.S.-led takedown of high-ranking soccer officials tied to decades of systemic corruption.

According to court filings, Esquivel used his influence to steer lucrative contracts to co-conspirators in exchange for kickbacks. The schemes targeted some of the most prestigious tournaments in South American soccer, turning what should have been transparent bidding processes into backroom deals padded with illicit cash.

The investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI’s New York Field Office, and IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. Prosecutors are being assisted by multiple divisions within the Justice Department, including the Organized Crime and Gang Section, the Fraud Section, and INTERPOL Washington.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan M. Norris, Samuel P. Nitze, M. Kristin Mace, Tanya Hajjar, and Brian D. Morris are handling the prosecution. The government’s investigation remains ongoing. E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15 CR 252 (S-1).