ADVERTISEMENT

Surprise witness at FIFA trial

The member of the Jonas Brothers, dressed all in black, took the stand for less than three minutes to confirm that a concert allegedly attended by one of the suspects had actually taken place.

ADVERTISEMENT

On trial over the largest graft scandal in world soccer history are three South American football executives accused of taking huge bribes in exchange for the rights to broadcast football tournaments.

One of those three, Juan Angel Napout, of Paraguay, former vice president of the South American football federation Conmebol, allegedly received $10,000 tickets to a Paul McCartney concert in Argentina in 2010.

This was allegedly part of a larger bribe of a million dollars to secure the rights to the Copa America in 2015.

ADVERTISEMENT

Napout's lawyers have questioned that such a concert ever took place.

Jonas was produced as a witness to say that in fact it did because he himself went to it.

"Any time you get to see Paul McCartney, it's pretty special," Jonas, 30, testified.

Jonas has no relation to Napout and did not attend the concert with him. He took the stand simply to say the concert was held.

The other two defendants on trial in New York are Jose Maria Marin, 85, former president of Brazil's Football Confederation, and Manuel Burga, who led soccer in Peru until 2014.

ADVERTISEMENT

All three are charged with racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering.

The careers of the heartthrob boy band the Jonas Brothers -- Kevin, Nick and Joe -- took off took off with the Disney movie "Camp Rock" in 2008. They have since disbanded.

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

The US asserts that it is a better option for Africa than Russia and China

The US asserts that it is a better option for Africa than Russia and China

Malak El Masry speaks on championing entrepreneurship and art in Africa

Malak El Masry speaks on championing entrepreneurship and art in Africa

Junta led Burkina Faso suspends more foreign media over killings coverage

Junta led Burkina Faso suspends more foreign media over killings coverage

10 African countries with the strongest merchant marine fleet

10 African countries with the strongest merchant marine fleet

Who are Africa's biggest Esports teams?

Who are Africa's biggest Esports teams?

Top 10 strongest South African brands in 2024

Top 10 strongest South African brands in 2024

The untapped potential of forex markets

The untapped potential of forex markets

African Hidden Champions Soirée highlights Africa's business leaders with support from AFG, DEG, AfDB, and BII

African Hidden Champions Soirée highlights Africa's business leaders with support from AFG, DEG, AfDB, and BII

DalaPay forecasting new trends in African payment systems for 2024

DalaPay forecasting new trends in African payment systems for 2024

ADVERTISEMENT