Yesterday might well go down in history as football's darkest day. An intensive investigation by US and Swiss justice agencies has laid bare the extent to which the beautiful game, loved by billions across the globe, has been blighted by corruption in world football's governing body.Seven of Fifa's most powerful figures face extradition to the US today on graft charges. They were arrested in Switzerland yesterday.It soon transpired that the arrests were just the tip of the iceberg: US authorities said nine soccer officials, and five sports media and promotions executives, faced corruption charges involving more than $150-million in bribes.As the US and Swiss authorities announced investigations into Fifa it emerged that criminal investigations into the awarding of hosting rights for the next two World Cups - in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 - had been launched.Hours later came the bombshell - disgraced former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner had allegedly solicited - and accepted - bribes during the bidding for the 1998 and 2010 World Cups, in France and South Africa.According to US Attorney-General Loretta Lynch, even the historic decision to host the World Cup for the first time on African soil was tainted by Fifa executives and others corrupting ''the process by using bribes to influence the hosting decision".This is a betrayal of the worst kind and will appall football lovers - and all decent people.In 2010 South Africans embraced the World Cup - it changed us for the better as a nation.People saved up to buy their tickets, or flocked to the fan parks and pubs to share their joy with thousands of football-crazy visitors from abroad.The parasites in Fifa who skimmed off millions - and the influence peddlers who tempted them - should be shown no mercy.The Americans will have done the world a huge favour if their actions finally force Fifa to clean up its act...