FIFA Bans Eight Players, Agent For Life Over Match-fixing

FIFA on Wednesday banned eight players and agent for life, after they were found guilty of match-fixing/manipulation. The eight players and agent who were banned for life by FIFA, include former Sierra Leone captain Ibrahim Kargbo and ex-Trinidad and Tobago defender Keyeno Thomas. Other footballers suspended from all football-related activities over attempts to rig matches at international level include former players from Benin, Afghanistan and Cuba, as well as Zimbabwean agent Kudzanai Shaba. Kenyan defender George Owino Audi received a 10-year ban and a fine of 15,000 Swiss francs (13,165 euros).

AFP reported that the World Football Governing also said it has opened disciplinary proceedings after a vast investigation into various international matches that Singaporean Wilson Raj Perumal, a convicted match-fixer, had attempted to manipulate for betting purposes.

“This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA over several years through its integrity department and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities,” read a FIFA statement.