FIFA bans Samson Siasia for life over bribe
The former Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has been banned for life by FIFA after he was found guilty of taking bribes from players.
He was also fined $50,000 for agreeing to ‘the manipulation of matches.’
Siasia is the third African to be banned by FIFA.
In July, former Sierra Leone FA official Abu Bakarr Kabba was suspended for fiver years by FIFA while former Botswana FA official Mooketsi Kgotlele was suspended for life.
The former Super Eagles midfielder led the Dream Team to win bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.
See Full Statement
The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Mr Samson Siasia, a former official of the Nigeria Football Federation, guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
The formal ethics proceedings against Mr Siasia were initiated on 11 February 2019 and stem from an extensive investigation into matches that Mr Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA via its competent departments and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities.
In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Siasia had breached art. 11 (Bribery) of the 2009 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics and banned him for life from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level. In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 50,000 has been imposed on Mr Siasia.
The decision was notified to Mr Siasia today, the date on which the ban comes into force.
