FIFA issued lifetime bans to seven current and former players and an agent on Wednesday for their involvement in match-fixing following several years of investigation.
Former Sierra Leone captain Ibrahim Kargbo and former Trinidad and Tobago player Keyeno Thomas were among those found guilty of match-fixing. All individuals guilty of attempting to rig matches have been suspended from all football-related activities.
Besides Kargbo and Thomas, other players involved are Karlon Murray from Trinidad, Hellings Mwakasungula (Malawi), Seidath Tchomogo (Benin), Leonel Duarte (Cuba) and Mohammad Salim Israfeel Kohistani (Afghanistan).
Kenyan defender George Owino Audi received a 10-year ban and a fine of 15,000 Swiss francs (13,165 euros).
As per the investigation, convicted match-fixer Singapore-based Wilson Raj Perumal was found to have manipulated international matches for betting purposes. FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings regarding the same.
“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.
(With inputs from agencies)