Former Chile football chief Sergio Jadue has admitted his involvement in the global football scandal and will cooperate with American authorities investigating the FIFA corruption affair, local media reported Thursday.

Jadue, a vice-president of South American regional body Conmebol, flew to the United States on Tuesday night with his family, reportedly to go into witness protection.

"Mr Jadue has recognised his guilt in charges brought against him by the American justice and had agreed to cooperate in exchange for a reduced sentence against him," claimed the El Mercurio newspaper.

South American officials are suspected of corruption in deals to award television rights for the Copa America tournament.

The sprawling scandal has engulfed FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who has been suspended.

Jadue and other Chile football federation (ANFP) officials also face an investigation in Chile into alleged illegal salary payments to members of the association.

Reports claimed Thursday that Jadue will remain in New York to serve any sentence which experts estimate would be three-five years but performed under supervision.