28.05.2015 13:39 h

FIFA scandal won't overshadow Women's World Cup

Two major corruption scandals which have engulfed FIFA will not overshadow the Women's World Cup which gets under way in nine days, organisers vowed.

FIFA is facing the biggest crisis in its century of existence after Swiss police detained seven football officials accused of taking more than $150 million in bribes. The United States wants the seven extradited to face trial there.

Separately, Swiss investigators raided FIFA's headquarters as part of an investigation into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

"As the host nation for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, the Canadian Soccer Association is confident that the current situation will not impact the competition," the organisation said in a statement.

The 24-nation tournament kicks off on June 6 and runs until July 5 in six cities across Canada.

Canadian officials said they were "extremely disappointed" by the allegations and "committed to protecting the integrity of the game".

"We are positive that the 30 days of competition will bring exciting soccer to all fans in Canada and around the world."

Sports Minister Bal Gosal said he was confident Canadian soccer was not implicated in the scandals and that the World Cup would be a success.

"I'm very satisfied that Canada is very up front," he said. "We're looking forward to hosting the World Cup."