Our website use cookies to improve and personalize your experience and to display advertisements (if any). Our website may also include cookies from third parties like Google Adsense, Google Analytics, and Youtube. By using the website, you consent to the use of cookies.

Omari takes over CAF reigns after FIFA bans African football president for five years

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER

CONSTANT Selemani Omari has taken over as interim president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the organisation’s president Ahmad Ahmad was banned by FIFA  for five years for, among others, misappropriation of funds and several ethical violations.

In a statement, CAF said it has taken note of the FIFA decision and announced that Omari, who has been acting president, will continue in that role.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), which is concerned about the reputational consequences of this long procedure, maintains the schedule of all its activities and programs,” the statement said.

Advertisements

Ahmad, who has previously said he was innocent, has also been fined $ 200 000.

Ahmad, who took over from Issa Hayatou in 2017, had announced his bid to be re-elected as CAF president when the elections take place next March. South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, backed by five countries, is running for the CAF presidency. Also running is Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast. The elections are scheduled to take place on March 12 during CAF’s general assembly in Rabat, Morocco.

In a statement, FIFA said: “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Ahmad Ahmad, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and a FIFA Vice-President, guilty of having breached art. 15 (Duty of loyalty), art. 20 (Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits) and art. 25 (Abuse of position) of the 2020 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as art. 28 (Misappropriation of funds) of the 2018 edition.

READ:  Morocco’s fabulous football year – what’s behind their success on and off the field

“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, including 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.

“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 arts 15, 20 and 25 of the current edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as art. 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.”

 

 

Advertisements
By The African Mirror

MORE FROM THIS SECTION