Ex-Africa Best Player Bwalya Denies Taking Cash Gift

Kalusha Bwalya has protested his innocence to claims he received a bribe which led to his suspension by FIFA.

The 54-year-old yesterday got banned by the Luzern-based organisation for two years from all football-related activities for accepting gifts from erstwhile Asian football boss Mohammed bin Hammam.

The sanction on the Zambian legend followed investigating by the world football governing into the affairs of the 1988 African player of the year in relation to corruption and gifts beginning in 2017.

However, the ex-PSV playmaker, has denied any wrongdoing revealing he is in the process of lodging an appeal to contest the verdict.

In a dispatch released hours ago, Bwalya insists he’s not guilty of the offence and won’t be involved in activities that could taint the game as a FIFA committee member.

“I the undersigned KALUSHA BWALYA

Do hereby state that: –

• I am surprised and saddened by today’s receipt of the notification from the FIFA Ethics Committee adjudication.

• I have instructed my legal team to immediately appeal this decision urgently and would like to state that I am NOT guilty of any offence, which allegedly took place.

• I have never done and will never do anything to bring the beautiful game into disrepute and stand by the facts provided by me to the committee.

• I unfortunately cannot provide any further details as my legal team has advised I that this would jeopardize my chances of obtaining leave to appeal.

• FIFAs decision is not final and I will fight tooth and nail for justice to clear my name.

• I thank all my fans for their on-going support,’ the statement said.

Securing the Dutch title twice in a combined 101 appearances with 25 goals for PSV, the 54-year-old began his career with Mulufira Blackpool in the 1980s before stops at Belgian team Cercle Brugge, America, Nexaca, Al Wahda Leon to  name a few, ensued.

He hung up his boots in the year 2000 with Corricaminos.