TEGUCIGALPA, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The former President of Honduras (1990-1994) and of the country's football federation, Rafael Callejas, turned himself over to U.S. authorities to face corruption allegations, local press reported on Monday.
According to Honduran Foreign Minister Arturo Corrales, Callejas traveled on Monday morning to the U.S. to face justice after the FIFA corruption scandal uncovered his alleged participation weeks ago.
"Callejas decided to travel to the U.S. and face the legal process in a correct way," said Corrales and added that "under no circumstances was he handcuffed. He travelled under his own will."
Corrales also said Callejas "travelled on a private flight" and that neither Honduran nor U.S. authorities were involved. "The flight was paid by a group of friends, who told him this was the best way to help him support his decision," added the minister.
Alfredo Hawit, another former president of the Honduran football federation, was arrested in Switzerland on December 3 within the same investigation.
On the same day, the Honduran government received an extradition request for Callejas from the American authorities.