More than a dozen plainclothes security agents raided a posh hotel in Zurich, Switzerland and arrested several top officials of the world soccer organization FIFA, acting on US requests to extradite them to face corruption charges.  They showed up unannounced at the Baur au Lac Hotel, requested room keys from the desk, and went upstairs to round up the FIFA execs.

The arrests were carried out peacefully.  Among the six people arrested were former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, and Eduardo Li of Costa Rica.  At least some of them were allowed to bring their luggage.  The charges include wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering.

The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal are reporting that US Prosecutors allege widespread corruption in FIFA over the past two decades.  This includes rigged bids for World Cup tournaments as well as marketing and broadcast deals.  The US will announce more from New York City later on Wednesday.  Longtime FIFA President Sepp Blatter does not appear to be one of those charged.  But the raid could threaten his bid for a fifth term.  The vote is scheduled at the Baur au Lac this Friday.