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Tag: Fifa

  • FIFA bans former CAF president, Issa Hayatou

    FIFA bans former CAF president, Issa Hayatou

    Fifa has handed former Caf president Issa Hayatou a one-year ban from all football-related activities.

    Hayatou, 74, was found guilty for getting involved in the Lagardere Sports deal over the media and marketing rights of competitions organised by Caf while he was president of the African football ruling body.

    Aside from the ban, the Cameroonian was hit with a fine of thirty thousand Swiss Franc (CHF 30,000).

    According to the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee, the former interim Fifa boss breached article 15 (Duty of Loyalty) of the Fifa Code of Ethics.

    “The investigation into Mr Hayatou’s conduct in his position as Caf president concerned his involvement in the negotiation, conclusion and signature of the memorandum of understanding and contractual agreement for the commercialisation of media and marketing rights of competitions organised by Caf with the company Lagardere Sports between 2014 and 2017,” a statement from Fifa website read.

    “Based on information gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Hayatou had breached his duty of loyalty in his position as Caf president, by entering, in the name and on behalf of the confederation, into an anti-competitive agreement with Lagardere Sport which was detrimental and caused significant damage to Caf (both financially, in the amount of EGP 200 million, as well as to its reputation).

    “Consequently, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Hayatou had breached article 15 of the current edition of the Fifa Code of Ethics and sanctioned him with a ban from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at both national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for one year.”

    This sanction takes effect from August 3 and that means that he will not be involved in January’s Africa Cup of Nations that will be held in his homeland.

  • Bribery: Siasia drags FIFA to court for violating his rights as US citizen

    Bribery: Siasia drags FIFA to court for violating his rights as US citizen

    Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has sued Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for violating his constitutional rights when it convicted him of bribery.

    The ex-captain wants FIFA to return the 50,000 Swiss Franc fine and his five- year coaching ban reversed, according to a suit filed in a United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

    Siaisa also wants the court to award damages for the violation of his rights as a citizen of the US.

    The court document reads, “Here, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), the worldwide governing body of soccer, exercised governmental function when FIFA investigated and adjudicated a charge of bribery, a crime, against Samson Siasia (“Siasia”), a United States citizen, which function has traditionally been exclusively the domain of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice, (USDOJ) and the Judicial branch of government or the State government.

    “After finding Siasia guilty, FIFA then imposed a fine of 50,000 Swiss Francs and lifetime ban from using his professional coaching license that was issued by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

    “As a result, the defendant is in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, (“Section 1983”) among others, for depriving the plaintiff of his constitutional rights under color of state law.”

    The case started when Wilson Perumal—a Singaporean was arrested in Finland and sentenced to prison for fixing a football match to hire the Nigerian to coach an Australian team.

    Based on email exchanges Perumal told Siasia he would “take over a club. I want to engage you as the head coach. It is an Australia ‘A’ league team.

    “You know my nature of business. I will personally bring in 5 Players and dictate the show. You will do your coaching job and play along. I will not drag you into what I am doing.

    “My players will take instructions from me. You will have to just close one eye and do your coaching job. There is no relegation in this league. No one can fire you. What amount will u be asking for as salary,” Perumal said in one of his emails to Siasia.

    FIFA, however, banned Siasia from its competitions for life.

    But the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruled that Siasia did not receive any money from Perumal.

  • Serie A: FIFA announce Spezia transfer ban

    Serie A: FIFA announce Spezia transfer ban

    Serie A club Spezia have been banned from working four transfer windows.

    The Aquile have been found guilty of breaching rules about signing minors by FIFA, therefore they won’t be allowed to sign new players for four transfer windows starting from next January.

    “FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctions Spezia Calcio, USD Lavagnese 1919 and Valdivara 5 Terre for breaches of the rules governing the international transfer of minors,” FIFA’s statement reads.

    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Italian club Spezia Calcio for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

    “Following an investigation carried out by the FIFA Regulatory Enforcement Department, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee found that Spezia Calcio had breached article 19 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) by bringing several Nigerian minors into Italy using a scheme aimed at circumventing the aforesaid RSTP article as well as national immigration law.

    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee took into account that Spezia Calcio accepted responsibility for its serious regulatory violations and imposed a registration ban at both national and international level for four registration periods and a fine of CHF 500,000. Spezia Calcio will thus be unable to register any new players for the next four registration periods established by the Italian Football Association.

    “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also imposed a registration ban at both national and international level for four registration periods and a fine of CHF 4,000 each on Italian clubs USD Lavagnese 1919 and Valdivara 5 Terre, these two clubs having played an active role in the aforementioned scheme.

    “The protection of minors is a key objective of the regulatory framework governing the football transfer system. Effective enforcement of these rules is paramount to ensuring that the welfare and well-being of minors are protected at all times.

    “The decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified to the three clubs today.”

    Spezia have released an official statement, admitting to being ‘surprised’ and confirming an appeal against the decision.

  • Siasia hails CAS on FIFA ban reduction, laments NFF neglect

    Siasia hails CAS on FIFA ban reduction, laments NFF neglect

    Former Super Eagles Chief Coach Samson Siasia on Friday commended the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for reducing his life ban from football to five years.

    Siasia, while briefing newsmen in Abuja, said CAS judgment was a big relief worth celebrating, adding however that he had wished the ban was completely cleared.

    “I want to thank CAS for their judgment which has given me hope to return back to what I know how best to do.

    “I’m happy I’m gradually out of the hook, because in a couple of years I will go back to what I know how best to do,” he said.

    Siasia however decried the fact that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not give him any support throughout his trying period, in spite of his meritorious service to the nation.

    The former Super Eagles forward added that most of his colleagues even abandoned him, except for a few who supported him.

    The coach who at different times led the national under-20 and under-23 teams to continental honours however commended the Nigerian media, particularly those in the sports sector, for standing by him.

    “Even my close friends abandoned me. Even, for the Legends Game organised by FIFA, I have not been invited again.

    “I don’t know what I did to them even when I wasn’t guilty of what I was accused of,” he said.

    Siasia however contended that his case was supposed to be a government problem.

    “When the life ban pronouncement was first declared by FIFA, I met with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development who barely resumed office then and briefed him, But all the minister could say was that there was no money.

    “But I have invested in human beings in this country by training lots of young players who are stars today.

    “How will I fight FIFA? I don’t have that strength, but the government can stand up and stand for me. But everyone left me in the dark,” he said.

    On whether he was going to further appeal, the coach said he was going to consult with his lawyers in Switzerland, especially as it (the appeal) would cost about 100,000 euros.

    “I will have to meet with my lawyers and decide what next to do in the next couple of days.

    “If am going to go for appeal, we have to be sure of what will come out of it. I don’t want to think or talk about how much has been spent. If I have to appeal to CAS, I’m going to cough out at least 100,000 euros,” he explained.

    An associate of Siasia, Opukiri Jones-Ere, frowned at NFF’s neglect of a man he described as a legend in the country’s Football history.

    “It’s very unfortunate that not even a word came from NFF. It’s not just appalling, but disappointing. If Nigerian football authorities can’t come out to say anything, it’s rather regrettable.

    “NFF has not come out to say, maybe ‘there’s no money, but we are behind you’ even when the current NFF president is from the same side of the country. Other African nations are watching.

    “Instead, in the peak of the trial, even an official vehicle with Siasia was withdrawn from him,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAS delivered its judgement on Monday and also dismissed the fine of 50,000 Swiss Francs he was ordered to pay.

    In August 2019, FIFA announced that Siasia had been found guilty of accepting an offer to receive bribes in an attempt to manipulate the outcome of matches.

    Sisia however denied the allegation and took the matter to CAS.

  • Pinnick’s position in FIFA beneficial for Nigeria’s football dev’t – Buhari

    Pinnick’s position in FIFA beneficial for Nigeria’s football dev’t – Buhari

    President Muhamamdu Buhari says membership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick into the FIFA Council will provide benefits that will lead to the advancement of football in Africa.

    The president stated this on Friday in Abuja, when he had an audience with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and Pinnick, at the State House.

    He, once again, congratulated the NFF boss on his election victory into the strategic body that sets the vision for global football, assuring him of Nigeria’s support in his new position.

    “The position on the Council of the world’s football governing body, FIFA, comes at a time when Nigeria is determined to turn the fortunes of her sports development around through better infrastructure, more investment both public and private government incentives.

    “Without prejudice to the continental nature of your assignment at the Council, I urge you to use your position to ensure Nigeria’s sporting image receives a boost.

    “I know this position will assist Nigeria get technical and financial support from FIFA; and your position should create a platform for other Nigerians to enter into the FIFA family and other international Sports Federations,’’ he said.

    While emphasising his belief in the potential of sports to promote peace, unity, enhance good health and stimulate the economy, Buhari said: ‘‘One of the greatest sports is football and Nigeria is a great football nation.

    ”I am myself a keen follower of football.’’

    On his vision for Nigerian football, the President told the minister and the NFF President:

    ‘‘I want to see Nigeria’s football develop and move in a more dynamic trajectory from football administration to youth and grassroots football, talent hunt and use of Nigeria’s home based talents.

    ‘‘Nigeria also needs a more privatized and better organised football regime that can rival others in Europe and America,’’ he said.

    The president, therefore, urged the NFF to work with the Sport ministry and football stakeholders to provide Nigeria with a 10-year Football Master Plan that would ensure youth football development, in line with FIFA’s commitment.

    He urged corporate organisations to invest in sports development, and pledged his administration’s commitment to turn sports into business.

    He added that the expected reviewed Sport Industry Policy ‘‘will be the catalyst that turns football activities associated with it into key contributors to the national economy.’’

    In his remarks, Dare thanked the President for his support for sports development in the country, and for approving the reclassification of sports as business, instead of mere recreation.

    He promised that a new draft policy on the sports industry was almost ready, as well as a 10-year master plan for football at all levels.

    The new FIFA Council member, Pinnick, equally lauded President Buhari for his support for football, saying: ‘‘without you, I couldn’t have won election into the FIFA Council. Your name is highly respected across the continent.’’

    Pinnick pledged to be a worthy Ambassador of the country, adding ‘‘I will use the office to build Nigerian football, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.’’

    He was on March 12, elected into the FIFA Council after a landslide victory, defeating Malawian FA President Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to eight at the CAF General Assembly held in Rabat, Morocco.

    He becomes the third Nigerian elected into the prestigious council after Oyo Orok Oyo (1980-1988) and Amos Adamu (2006-2010).

  • Former Lagos Chief Judge, Ayotunde Phillips Re-Elected Into FIFA Ethics Committee

    Former Lagos Chief Judge, Ayotunde Phillips Re-Elected Into FIFA Ethics Committee

    A former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, has been re-elected as a member of the FIFA Ethics Committee for another four-year term in office.

    Her re-election was ratified at the virtual 71st FIFA Congress held in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday and monitored by Channels Television.

    The election followed a motion – to sanction the proposal to elect members of the committee – read at the congress by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

    “The congress was asked to approve the proposal to elect the persons whose names are presented on the screen (see the screengrab below) as members of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee four a term of office of four years,” said Infantino, who chaired the congress.

    Two hundred and nine members were entitled to cast their votes in the election, but 203 were counted as valid votes cast – six votes short of the total figure.

    A further breakdown of the figure showed that a significant number of members voted in favour of the motion while just a few others were against it.

    Addressing the congress, FIFA Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura, said, “The total number of valid votes cast for this motion was 203, of which 199 voted in favour of the motion while four member associations rejected the motion.

    “For that motion, we needed a simple majority of valid votes of 102; so this is a very comfortable yes for the election of the members of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.”

    Justice Phillips was elected along with four other members – Mohammad Ali Al Kamali of the United Arab Emirates, and Malta’s Stefan Buontempo.

    Other members of the committee were Pamela Camus of Chile, Gregory Delzin of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Michael Goodwin of Papua New Guinea.

    At the congress, Vassilios Skouris of Greece was re-elected as the chairperson of the committee for another four-year term.

    He polled 137 of the total valid votes cast to beat his French counterpart, Jean-Michel Marmayou, and three other contenders.

    Maria Claudia Rojas from Colombia and Fiti Sunia of American Samoa, who both scored seven votes in the chairmanship category, garnered 151 and 146 votes respectively to emerge as the deputy chairpersons of the committee.

  • FIFA approve Man City defender commitment to Spain

    FIFA approve Man City defender commitment to Spain

    Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has had his switch in nationality from France to Spain approved by Fifa.

    The 26-year-old was granted Spanish citizenship earlier in the week and can now play for the country at Euro 2020 this summer.

    Laporte has played for France’s youth teams but has not made an appearance for the country’s senior team.

    A Fifa statement said he could play for Spain with “immediate effect”.

    Laporte, who was born in France, joined City for a then club-record £57m in January 2018 from Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.

    Last year, Fifa’s annual congress approved a rule change which meant players could switch countries if they had not played more than three matches for a country before the age of 21 and had not featured at a World Cup or continental tournament.

  • You are either in or out, FIFA warns Super League clubs

    You are either in or out, FIFA warns Super League clubs

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the 12 breakaway European Super League clubs on Tuesday that they could not be “half in, half out” of the established football system.

    He added that they must face up to the reality of their decision.

    Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus are among the members of the proposed new league.

    But UEFA has threatened to ban them from domestic and international competition and vowed to fight the move.

    “If some elect to go their own way, then they must live with the consequences of their choice. They are responsible for their choice —- concretely this means, either you are in, or you are out.

    “You cannot be half in and half out. This has to be absolutely clear,” Infantino told UEFA’s congress in Montreux, Switzerland.

    Infantino’s comments came after the Super League had called on Monday for talks with UEFA and FIFA about their new competition’s place in the football “ecosystem”.

    The FIFA head, a former UEFA general secretary, repeated his opposition to the breakaway project.

    “We can only and strongly disapprove of a Super League which is a closed shop, breakaway from current institutions,” Infantino said. “No doubt whatsoever of FIFA’s disapproval. Full support to UEFA.

    “We hope that everything will go back to normal, that everything will be settled, but always with respect, always with solidarity and with the interests of national, European and global football.”

  • FIFA celebrates ex-Super Eagles star who died in tragic car accident days to his wedding

    FIFA celebrates ex-Super Eagles star who died in tragic car accident days to his wedding

    The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Sunday remembered former Nigerian Super Eagles star, the late Olubayo Adefemi.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Adefemi died in a tragic car accident on 18 April 2011 while finalising his wedding plans.

    Born on 13 August 1985, Adefemi represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympic Games, playing all the games and scoring a goal in a semifinal match against Belgium.

    He was a member of the Nigerian Under 20 Team that came second behind a Lionel Messi-led Argentina Team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. Adefemi played 5 out of the six matches Nigeria played, scoring 1 goal during play against Morocco in the semi-final.

    He made his Senior National Team debut against Ireland on 29 May 2009, and played his second senior game against France in a game that Nigeria won.

    Adefemi, who last played for Skoda Xanthi, a Greek professional football club, won Israeli F.A. cup with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2006.

    On 18 April 2011, he died in a car accident while driving on Egnatia Odos, a motorway in Greece that extends from the western port of Igoumenitsa to the eastern Greek–Turkish border at Kipoi.

    In remembering the Super Eagles star, the international governing body of football, FIFA made a tweet of how Adefemi helped Nigeria to secure silver at the U20 WC and the Olympics.

    “Olubayo Adefemi helped Nigeria win silver at the #U20WC and the @Olympics – they were edged by Lionel Messi and @Argentina in both finals.

    “10 years ago today Adefemi was on his way to finalise his wedding plans when he tragically died in a car accident,” FIFA tweeted.

    Also, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) joined in remembering the fallen Super Eagles star.

    “Till memory fades & life departs, you live forever in our hearts. Rest on Soldier, rest on Olubayo Adefemi (August 13, 1985- April 18, 2011),” the NFF tweeted.

     

  • FIFA suspends Chad from football indefinetly

    FIFA suspends Chad from football indefinetly

    World football governing body, Fifa has suspended Chad from football with immediate effect, a decision taken by the Bureau of the Fifa Council.

    However, the suspension will be reversed as soon as the relevant government decisions have been revoked.

    “The Bureau of the Fifa Council decided to suspend the Chadian Football Association (FTFA) with immediate effect due to government interference,” a statement from the Fifa website read.

    “The suspension was prompted by the recent decisions of Chadian government authorities to permanently withdraw the powers delegated to the FTFA, establish a national committee for the temporary management of football and seize control of the FTFA’s premises.

    The suspension will be lifted once the relevant government decisions have been repealed and the FTFA and its management, led by president Moctar Mahamoud Hamid, have confirmed to Fifa that the FTFA premises are again under its control.”

    In December 2020, Fifa had disregarded a request from the country’s ministry of sports to dissolve the Chadian Football Federation.