GHANA’S NYANTAKYI HAS LIFE BAN CUT TO 15 YEARS BY CAS

BY MICHAEL PAVITT

Former FIFA Council member Kwesi Nyantakyi of Ghana has had his life ban from football reduced to a 15-year sanction by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA’s Ethics Committee banned Nyantakyi for life in 2018 after he was found guilty of breaching ethics regulations on conflicts of interest, bribery and corruption and commission.

The former Ghana Football Association President was also fined CHF 500,000 (£394,000/€441,000).

Nyantakyi also served as first vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and was considered one of the most influential football officials on the continent.

He quit his numerous roles after he was caught on camera appearing to accept a bribe.

Undercover footage shot by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas showed Nyantakyi taking a cash gift of $65,000 (£48,500/€55,000) from a supposed businessman seeking to sponsor the Ghanaian football league.

The video also depicted Nyantakyi demanding other kickbacks which would be passed on to top Government officials, including the Presidency.

The life ban prohibited Nyantakyi from all football-related activities.

Ghanaian radio station Nhyira FM has reported that CAS had reduced Nyantakyi’s sanction.

CAS confirmed Nyantakyi’s appeal had been partially upheld, with the decision having been made in April.

His 15-year sanction began on October 29 in 2018.

Nyantakyi fine was reduced to CHF 100,000 (£84,000/$109,000/€93,000). 

-insidethegames