Football's world governing body FIFA has suspended its secretary general Jerome Valcke.
Valcke has been put on leave and released from his duties until further notice.
A FIFA statement said it had "been made aware of a series of allegations involving the secretary general".
The Guardian newspaper reported allegations that 54-year-old Valcke was involved in a scheme to sell World Cup tickets for above face value.
FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke. Photo: Photosport
The Frenchman, who is said to deny the allegations, has been in his role at FIFA since 2007.
FIFA has been engulfed by claims of widespread corruption since May, when Swiss police raided a hotel in Zurich and arrested seven of its top executives.
FIFA says it has requested a formal investigation by the FIFA ethics committee.
