The global football governing body FIFA has extended bans on seven Ugandan individuals implicated in various match-fixing scandals from the 2023/2024 season.
The sanctions, initially imposed by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), have now been escalated to a worldwide level.
Ahmed Hussein, FUFA’s Head of Communication, confirmed the development, stating that five players and two referees, who had already been banned in Uganda, will now face extended bans globally.
“FIFA has extended worldwide sanctions on Ugandan players and referees who had earlier been suspended by FUFA in 2023 for engaging in match manipulation,” read a statement from the Uganda FA released on Friday.
The details of the extended bans, as received from FIFA, indicate that referees George Nkurunziza and Deogracious Opio have each been handed 10-year bans. These referees were found guilty of participating in match manipulation activities that compromised the integrity of the sport.
The five players facing five-year bans include Saleh Maganda (formerly of Calvary FC), Franco Oringa (formerly of Northern Gateway FC), Godfrey Lwesibawa, Yahaya Mahad Kakooza, and Andrew Waiswa (all formerly of Gadaffi FC).
These players were also implicated in the match-fixing scandals and have been barred from all football-related activities during their suspension periods.
“The elevated sanctions have been communicated to the individuals by FIFA and FUFA and start with immediate effect,” the Uganda FA statement further detailed.
In response to the rising concerns over match-fixing, the Uganda FA, led by President Moses Hassim Magogo, has recently established an independent body tasked with handling cases involving officials and players accused of match manipulation.
This initiative aims to uphold the integrity of Ugandan football and ensure that such scandals are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.
The stringent measures by FIFA and FUFA underscore a zero-tolerance policy towards match-fixing, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining fair play and integrity in football.
Magogo says the extended bans serve as a stern warning to all involved in the sport that unethical behaviour will be met with severe consequences, regardless of geographic boundaries.
