FIFA bans Kalusha Bwalya for 2 Years

FIFA has banned African official Kalusha Bwalya for two years over a payment from disgraced former Asian soccer leader Mohammed bin Hammam.

An investigation found Bin Hammam paid Bwalya $50,000 in 2009 and $30,000 in 2011 as the Qatari sought to challenge Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency. Bin Hammam pulled out of the 2011 contest when vote-buying allegations emerged.

Bwalya was also fined 100,000 Swiss Francs (R1‚4-million).

Read the full statement below: 

“The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has banned Kalusha Bwalya‚ member of the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf)‚ for two years from all football-related activities (administrative‚ sports or any other) at both national and international level.

“The investigation against Mr Bwalya was opened on 28 February 2017‚ and focused principally on benefits that Mr Bwalya had received from Mr Bin Hammam.

“The adjudicatory chamber found Mr Bwalya guilty of having violated article 16 (Confidentiality) and article 20 (Offering and accepting gifts and other benefits) of the Fifa Code of Ethics. A fine in the amount of CHF 100‚000 was also imposed on Mr Bwalya.

“The decision was notified to Mr Bwalya today [on Friday]‚ and the ban comes into force immediately.”

Former PSV Eindhoven and Club America (Mexico) forward Bwalya was president of the Zambian FA from 2008 to 2016.