Jack Warner, Trinidadian businessman and politician

Austin "Jack" Warner, born on 26 January 1943, is a prominent figure from Trinidad and Tobago, known for his complex and controversial career spanning politics, business, and, most notably, international football. A former history teacher, Warner ascended to some of the highest echelons of global football governance, simultaneously holding significant political office in his home country.

Early Career and Rise in International Football

Warner's journey in football administration began decades before his eventual downfall. He became a member of the powerful FIFA Executive Committee in 1983, a pivotal body responsible for major decisions within the global football governing body. His influence expanded further when he was elected President of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in 1990. These roles established him as a key gatekeeper and power broker within the sport, particularly across the Americas and the Caribbean. At the peak of his career, he also served as a Vice President of FIFA, a position that underscored his global stature in football.

Beyond his administrative roles, Warner maintained a direct connection to the sport at the grassroots level as the owner of Joe Public F.C., a professional football club based in Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrating his enduring local involvement.

Political Service in Trinidad and Tobago

Parallel to his international football career, Austin "Jack" Warner was deeply involved in the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. He served as an elected member of the country's parliament from 2007 to 2015, representing the Chaguanas West constituency. During this period, he also held the crucial cabinet position of Minister of National Security, a role that gave him significant influence over domestic affairs.

Mounting Corruption Allegations and Downfall

Despite his influential positions, Warner's career was increasingly overshadowed by numerous allegations of corruption, some dating back as far as the 1980s. These claims intensified significantly in the early 2010s, leading to his eventual suspension and departure from international football.

• 2011 Suspension and Resignation: On 29 May 2011, the FIFA Ethics Committee provisionally suspended Warner alongside Mohammed bin Hammam, then a candidate for the FIFA presidency. The suspension stemmed from allegations of bribery related to bin Hammam's campaign, specifically involving cash payments to Caribbean football officials. Facing an internal investigation, Warner announced his resignation from all his positions in international football on 20 June 2011. While his resignation effectively closed FIFA's internal ethics proceedings against him at the time, it did not prevent future investigations or legal action.
• CONCACAF Integrity Report (2013): On 18 April 2013, CONCACAF, the confederation he once led, released an extensive Integrity Committee report. This report concluded that Warner had committed various acts of fraud against both CONCACAF and FIFA, involving mismanagement and misappropriation of funds. The findings included allegations of using CONCACAF funds for personal gain, illicitly obtaining control of properties, and operating bank accounts outside the confederation's direct oversight.

The 2015 FIFA Corruption Scandal and US Indictment

The most significant legal action against Warner came in 2015 as part of a sweeping investigation by the United States Department of Justice into systemic corruption within FIFA. On 27 May 2015, Warner was among several high-ranking FIFA officials indicted by U.S. authorities. While some officials were arrested in Zurich, Switzerland, just before the annual FIFA Congress, Warner surrendered to authorities in Trinidad and Tobago. He was charged with a wide array of serious offenses, including:

• Wire fraud
• Racketeering
• Money laundering

These charges alleged decades of criminal enterprise involving bribery and kickbacks related to media and marketing rights for football tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers. Warner is currently facing extradition proceedings to the United States for criminal prosecution, a legal battle that has continued for several years.

Lifetime Ban from Football

Following the extensive investigations and mounting evidence, FIFA's own adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert, delivered a definitive verdict. On 29 September 2015, Austin "Jack" Warner was banned for life from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at both national and international levels. This lifetime ban signifies FIFA's complete severance of ties with a man who once wielded immense power within the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Austin "Jack" Warner

Who is Austin "Jack" Warner?

Austin "Jack" Warner is a former Trinidad and Tobago politician, businessman, and a highly influential football executive who served as Vice President of FIFA and President of CONCACAF for many years before facing numerous corruption allegations.

What were his key roles in international football?

His primary roles included being a Vice President of FIFA (from 1997-2011) and the long-serving President of CONCACAF (1990-2011). He was also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee since 1983.

Why was he suspended and subsequently resigned from FIFA and CONCACAF?

He was provisionally suspended by the FIFA Ethics Committee in May 2011 due to bribery allegations linked to the FIFA presidential campaign. He resigned in June 2011, which led to the closure of FIFA's internal investigation at that time.

What criminal charges did he face in the United States?

In 2015, he was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on charges of wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering as part of a wider investigation into corruption within FIFA.

Has he been banned from football?

Yes, on 29 September 2015, FIFA's Ethics Committee issued a lifetime ban, prohibiting him from participating in any football-related activities at national and international levels.

Is he still involved in Trinidad and Tobago politics?

No, he ceased being an elected member of parliament in 2015, and his political career effectively ended around that time, coinciding with the peak of the international legal challenges against him.