FIFA suspends staffer following arrest
A FIFA staffer has reportedly been arrested in Miami on suspicion of having sex with an underage boy while on a work trip from Zurich last year.
“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the global soccer organization stated on Wednesday.
The governing body also confirmed that the individual has been suspended immediately and will remain suspended until further notice.
Arrest details and allegations
The Miami Herald reported that Jack Coles, a 39-year-old British citizen, was detained on Friday by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in the Coral Gables neighborhood.
Coles is a project leader with FIFA Sound, the department responsible for music at FIFA events and broadcasts.
Authorities allege that Coles:
- Met a 14-year-old boy through a men’s dating app in October 2024.
- The boy told him he was 16.
- Attempted to meet the boy again last week, leading to further investigation.
- The boy was later in contact with federal investigators, which led to Coles’ arrest.
FIFA’s U.S. presence and upcoming tournaments
FIFA opened a U.S. base in Coral Gables in 2023 ahead of two major tournaments:
- The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a 32-team tournament set to begin on June 14 in Miami.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The Miami stadium will host seven games during the 2026 World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19. FIFA has not provided further comment on the case.