Rio de Janeiro, 8 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Peruvian Football Association president Agustín Lozano has been arrested as part of an investigation into corruption and money laundering.

In addition to Lozano, presidents, directors and officials of Peruvian clubs were also held, according to a police spokesperson on Friday.

Several properties in various cities were also searched. A provisional 15-day pre-hearing detention was also ordered for all those arrested.

According to media reports, the allegations include Lozano's alleged failure to impose sanctions on clubs in the men's first and second divisions despite misdeeds.

Authorities suspect these decisions were to the personal and financial benefit of the association president.

“I hope that justice is served, that everything is cleared up and I ask for peace of mind for the people who trust my work,” Lozano said shortly before he was taken away by police.

The Peruvian men's national team will face Chile and Argentina in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in November. With just six points from 10 games, the team is currently in ninth place in the standings and therefore second-bottom.

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