It also says corrupt officials who served on its former executive committee were guilty of selling their votes in World Cup bidding contests.

Former officials Chuck Blazer, Jack Warner and Jeffrey Webb are among those being sued by Fifa, which has submitted documents to US authorities.

In total, 41 individuals and entities have been charged in the States.

Fifa estimates millions of dollars were diverted from the sport illegally through bribery, kickbacks and corrupt schemes carried out by the defendants.

World football`s governing body has been in turmoil since May 2015, when a US investigation exposed widespread corruption at the top of the organisation.

Now it is attempting to fight back, describing itself as a "victimised institution".

New Fifa president Gianni Infantino, elected in February, also claimed corrupt officials had "abused positions of trust".

He added: "They caused serious and lasting damage to Fifa, its member associations and the football community.

"The monies they pocketed belonged to global football and were meant for the development and promotion of the game.

"Fifa as the world governing body of football wants that money back and we are determined to get it no matter how long it takes."

Once the money had been recovered, Infantino said it would be directed back to its original purpose of benefitting and developing international football.

He added: "These dollars were meant to build football fields, not mansions and pools; to buy football kits, not jewellery and cars; and to fund youth player and coach development, not to underwrite lavish lifestyles for football and sports marketing executives."

Infantino, 45, was elected as Fifa chief last month, replacing Sepp Blatter, who had been in charge of the governing body since 1998.

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