Zurich, May 28 (IANS): The FIFA officials arrested in the corruption scandal are contesting their extradition to the United States which had requested the Swiss authorities for their detention.

The seven officials, arrested here on Wednesday, on the orders of the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) have already been granted Zurich cantonal police hearings with the majority contesting their extradition to the US.

"For those individuals who are contesting extradition, the FOJ will now ask the USA to submit formal extradition requests within the 40-day period provided for in the bilateral extradition treaty," said an FOJ statement.

"Extradition proceedings will be resumed as soon as these requests have been received. These six individuals still have time, up to the ruling (of first instance) of the FOJ, to agree to simplified extradition proceedings," the statement said.

At the initial hearing, one person indicated that they were willing to pursue simplified extradition. If such simplified extradition can be approved, the person concerned may be handed over to the US authorities immediately.