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July 10, 2014 / 5:45 PM

FIFA partner indicted for fraudulent World Cup ticket sales

Ray Whelan, a senior director of FIFA partner Match Hospitality, is now considered a fugitive after reportedly fleeing Brazil following his indictment for illegal World Cup ticket sales.

Miroslav Klose of Germany is congratulated by team-mate Thomas Muller (L) after scoring his side's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Semi Final match at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on July 08, 2014. (UPI/Chris Brunskill)

Miroslav Klose of Germany is congratulated by team-mate Thomas Muller (L) after scoring his side's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Semi Final match at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on July 08, 2014. (UPI/Chris Brunskill) | License Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 10 (UPI) -- Brazilian authorities now consider Ray Whelan, senior director of FIFA's official hospitality company, a fugitive after he fled the country following his indictment on Thursday for illegal World Cup ticket sales.

A Brazilian judge accepted the indictment of Whelan and 11 others for illegally selling VIP tickets and hospitality passes to the World Cup tournament in Brazil.

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Whelan, a British citizen, was first arrested on Monday but released after questioning.

His company, Match Hospitality, said at the time that Whelan did nothing illegal and that he would cooperate with police.

His whereabouts currently unknown, police chief Fabio Barucke said Whelan is now considered a fugitive.

Match Hospitality is the official FIFA hospitality provider and, according to its website, "only sells official products."

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