Story highlights At least 40 former FIFA officials are facing charges

Charges relate to alleged bribery for lucrative media and marketing rights

(CNN) The former president of the Venezuelan Football Federation, Rafael Esquivel, has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges related to fraud and racketeering, according to the US attorney's office in New York.

He's one of at least 40 former FIFA executives indicted in the US after a corruption scandal at the heart of football's governing body.

Esquivel faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven charges, which include racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy, and three counts of money laundering conspiracy, according to a statement from the US attorney's office.

As part of his plea, Esquivel agreed to forfeit over $16 million. He faces up to 20 years for each count.

The charges are in connection with multiple bribery schemes in the awarding of media and marketing rights to international soccer tournaments.

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