LIMA: Agustín Lozano, the president of the Peruvian football federation, was arrested on Thursday on charges of leading a criminal organisation.

Media reports state that Lozano is accused of being part of a criminal organisation called Los Galácticos who are accused of crimes including electoral fraud, corruption, money laundering through improper use of the resources of the federation, favoritism to some clubs and resale of tickets in the qualfying round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He is charged along with other FPF directors and officials and has been detained in custody for two weeks.

Jorge Chávez Cotrina, national coordinator of the prosecutor’s office against organised crime, has indicated that Lozano faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Lozano, on being led away in handcuffs, told journalists: “I only want to ask my family for calm. I hope that justice is done, that everything is clarified and ask for calm for the people who trust in my work.”

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