Match says Raymond Whelan did not commit any crimes.
In a statement, the only company authorized by FIFA to sell ticket packages and VIP passes for the World Cup said it was "absolutely certain" that its CEO, arrested yesterday by police and released today by the courts, "did not violate any law"; he is suspected of being part of an illegal ticket sales scheme.
Vitor Abdala - Reporter for Agência Brasil
The company Match Hospitality released a statement today (8) saying it is absolutely certain that its director, Raymond Whelan, arrested yesterday (7) by the police and released today (8) by the courts, did not violate any law. He is suspected of being part of an illegal ticket sales scheme for the World Cup, which would also involve the Algerian Lamine Fofana and ten Brazilians.
"Ray Whelan has been released from police custody and will assist the police with their investigations. Match is absolutely confident that the facts will prove he did not violate any laws. Match will continue to cooperate with all police investigations, which we firmly believe will completely exonerate Ray," the statement said.
Match has exclusive rights to sell hospitality packages for the 2014 World Cup (which includes, in addition to tickets, services such as access to exclusive areas of the stadiums, catering and parking).
The investigating officer, Fábio Barucke, said he will conclude the inquiry this Tuesday and forward the report to the court, indicting the 12 people for illegal ticket sales and criminal association. The document will also request preventive detention for Whelan and the remaining 11, who are currently under temporary arrest.