The President, Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahmad Ahmad, has been banned for five years by FIFA for financial misconduct.
Ahmad, who is also a FIFA vice president is seeking re-election for four more years as the head of African football.
Recall that he was detained in June by French authorities in Paris on the eve of the Women’s World Cup for questioning “in relation to allegations related to his mandate as CAF president”.
In a statement on Monday, FIFA: “The investigation into Mr Ahmad’s conduct in his position as CAF president during the period from 2017 to 2019 concerned various CAF-related governance issues.
“These included the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, his involvement in CAF’s dealings with the sports equipment company Tactical Steel and other activities.
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“In its decision, following an extensive hearing, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that, based on information gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF president, pursuant to the FIFA Code of Ethics.
“Consequently, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Ahmad had breached articles 15, 20 and 25 of the current edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as article 28 of the 2018 edition, and sanctioned him with a ban from all football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level for five years.
“In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 200,000 has been imposed on Mr Ahmad.”