Ex-Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi has vowed to appeal against FIFA’s recent lifetime ban from all football-related activities.
Nyantakyi announced his resignation in June after a corruption scandal unveiled by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas leaked a video of him receiving kickbacks worth $65,000 (£48,000) before a game.
He was forced to tend in his resignation moments before the Ghanaian government dissolved its national football association to clear out corruption from the football governing body.
After a FIFA Ethics Adjudicatory Committee meeting on Tuesday 30th October, the ethics committee banned Nyantakyi from all football-related activities for life after finding him guilty of violating Article 22 (Commission) of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2012 edition and Article 19 (conflict of interest) Article 21 (Bribery and corruption).
Nyantakyi has surprisingly refused to give up. While describing the decision as harsh, unfair and unwarranted, Mr. Nyantakyi promised his lawyers are reviewing the facts to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“I wish to express my shock and deep sadness after receiving the decision from the FIFA Ethics Adjudicatory Committee on Tuesday.” Mr. Nyantakyi told reporters in an official statement.
“My legal advisors are under my instructions to urgently appeal the decision as I think it was unfair, harsh and unwarranted.”
“I will use all the legal channels available to seek redress and establish the facts I presented to the committee. Even though I have already resigned from all my football positions, it is important I establish the facts with the sole aim of clearing my name,” he added.
He went on to release an official statement thanking Africans and Ghanaians for their overwhelming support and promised to appeal FIFA’s decision.
Official Statement.
I wish to express my shock and deep sadness after receiving the decision from the FIFA Ethics Adjudicatory Committee on Tuesday.
My legal advisors are under my instructions to urgently appeal the decision as I think it was unfair, harsh and unwarranted.
I will use all the legal channels available to seek redress and establish the facts I presented to the committee.
Even though I have already resigned from all my football positions, it is crucial I establish the facts with the sole aim of clearing my name.
At this moment I am unable to provide any further details as my lawyers are reviewing the facts for appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Ghana, Africa and indeed across the globe for the overwhelming support and outpouring of sympathy.
Thank you.
Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi
signed
