FIFA whistle-blower Chuck Blazer dies at 72

Former FIFA official Chuck Blazer, whose evidence to US investigators was key in the FIFA corruption scandal, has died aged 72.

Blazer, whose admissions of corruption ultimately led to the downfall of Sepp Blatter, long-time FIFA president, had been battling cancer before his death.  

He was a former FIFA executive committee member who was banned for life from all football activities in 2015 for accepting bribes in conjunction with bids to host previous football World Cup contests. 

His lawyers in a statement confirming his death said, 'we are truly saddened by the passing of our client and friend, Chuck Blazer. His misconduct, for which he accepted full responsibility, should not obscure Chuck's positive impact on international soccer'.