Citigroup receives subpoena regarding FIFA probe

NEW YORK - Citigroup (C) said it has received a subpoena from federal prosecutors over its possible involvement in the FIFA bribery scandal, the first large U.S. bank to receive such a notice from investigators.

Citigroup disclosed the subpoena in a regulatory filing late Friday, saying it is cooperating with investigators in the matter.

In May of last year, the U.S. government brought corruption charges against 14 current and former executives at FIFA, world soccer's governing body, alleging the executives together had taken $150 million in bribes and payoffs. The charges eventually led to the resignation of FIFA's long-time President Sepp Blatter.

When federal prosecutors announced those charges last year, several banks, including HSBC and JPMorgan Chase (JPM), were named as entities that corrupt FIFA officials used to transfer cash.

While it was named in the indictment paperwork, JPMorgan has not disclosed any investigation into its own operations. HSBC acknowledged last week that it is under investigation by U.S. authorities for its role in the FIFA scandal.

Being subpoenaed or investigated does not mean prosecutors will bring charges against the banks.

In the filing, Citi said investors requested information on "banking relationships and transactions at Citibank and its affiliates associated with certain individuals and entities identified as having had involvement with the alleged corrupt conduct."