May 14 – FIFA has extended worldwide a raft of bans imposed on eight players by the Estonian FA and one player by the Lebanese FA following matchfixing and fraud inquiries.
The eight Estonians each received a one-year ban from all football-related activities while the Lebanese player was banned from all football-related activities for life.
The eight Estonians allegedly received money from a bookmaker in connection with a number of matches of the country’s top league, the Meistriliiga, and the Estonian Cup. Following a criminal investigation, the Estonian FA disciplinary board opened its own proceedings but has made clear the suspensions are temporary at this stage since more evidence and information is currently being gathered.
Last month, FIFA confirmed the extension of sanctions imposed on 23 Lebanese officials and players involved in the same investigation, with bans ranging in length from one season to a lifetime. In this most recent case, said FIFA, further information was required from the Lebanese FA before a decision could be made by the chairman of its Disciplinary Committee.
The lifetime ban imposed on the Lebanese player followed investigations by the Lebanese-FA appointed investigation committee beginning in January that related to actions of betting and corruption committed by Lebanese officials and players during national league and cup matches.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734936724labto1734936724ofdlr1734936724owedi1734936724sni@w1734936724ahsra1734936724w.wer1734936724dna1734936724