FIFA have extended a worldwide extension on bans handed down to individuals embroiled in the match-fixing scandal in Lebanese football.
World football’s governing body imposed the sanctions on 23 players and one official already subject to bans handed down by the Lebanese Football Association in February following a two-month investigation of games at both international and domestic level.
Defender Ramez Dayoub and forward Mahmoud El-Ali were handed life-time bans for their parts in the scandal which Lebanon national team boss Theo Bucker said had “demolished” the hopes of a nation.
“The Chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has extended the sanctions to have worldwide effect in accordance with article 78 paragraph 1(c) and article 136ff of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” read a FIFA statement.
“This follows investigations by the Lebanese FA-appointed Investigation Committee beginning in January that related to actions of betting and corruption committed by some Lebanese officials and players during certain official matches of the Lebanese national team and other matches of the AFC Cup.
“The Lebanese FA received a final report from the committee and subsequently passed the sanctions before notifying FIFA of its decisions.”
The Asian Football Confederation said at the time of the revelations it was not aware of any suspicion linking Lebanon’s World Cup qualifiers to the scandal but had also requested a full report.
Bucker led Lebanon to the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying for the first time in their history, but has said he will consider his future after their campaign is over.
“I don’t know yet what I will do, I need to speak to the board and the president. I can’t say whether I will continue or not. “Inside, I’m broken. I really need to think things over and make the right decision, that’s it.”
READ MORE:
– OPINION: Bucker the real victim in sad match-fixing scandal
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
