The head of the Peru Football Federation Agustin Lozano has been arrested in his country as part of an investigation into fraud, extortion, money laundering and other crimes.

Lozano is the second Peruvian football boss to be detained since 2018 when his predecessor was investigated for his alleged role in two murders for which he was later absolved.

He was escorted handcuffed into a police vehicle outside his home in the capital, Lima, as several journalists stood by.

He promised to clear up any misunderstanding and asked that the public reserve judgements – six other people were also arrested.

Although he has not been criminally charged, authorities ordered his arrest because they deemed he is a flight risk and could obstruct their investigation.

Under Lozano’s leadership, Peru’s national football team is in second to last place among South American men’s teams seeking to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.