Honduran ex-prexy out on bail in FIFA case; Platini faces ban

NEW YORK – A federal judge in New York has set bail for the former president of Honduras who is charged as part of a broad prosecution into soccer’s governing body.

The judge ordered former President Rafael Callejas freed on $4 million bond Thursday.

Callejas is a member of FIFA’s television and marketing committee.

He pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud charges for his alleged role in a bribery scheme involving broadcasting and hosting rights for the World Cup and other FIFA events. His lawyer didn’t speak with reporters in court Tuesday.

Callejas served as president of Honduras from 1990 to 1994.

He was among 16 new defendants named in a revised indictment that was unsealed earlier this month.

US prosecutors charged 14 others in May.

Meanwhile, in Zurich, Michel Platini’s fading chance of becoming FIFA president is being tested at an ethics hearing into his $2 million payment for work as Sepp Blatter’s adviser.

Platini, who potentially faces a ban of several years for a conflict of interest, has refused to attend at FIFA headquarters.

His lawyers have denounced “a process he regards as solely political and intended to prevent him from standing” in the Feb. 26 election.

Platini, the UEFA President, was favorite to succeed Blatter until Swiss investigators questioned him in September over suspected criminal mismanagement at FIFA.

Platini and Blatter, who attended his hearing Thursday, were suspended by FIFA ethics judge Joachim Eckert pending verdicts expected next week.