One of African football’s most powerful figures Kwesi Nyantakyi, who has been banned from the sport for life for breaking bribery and corruption rules has vowed he will appeal the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a recent press release, Nyantakyi said; “I will use all the legal channels available to seek redress and establish the facts to clear my name.” Read full press statement below.
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 important 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…..
In addition to the ban, Fifa also fined Nyantakyi, who was also vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and a member of the Fifa Council, $495,000.
The former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president , also broke conflict of interest rules, football governing, Fifa, said.
The body launched an investigation after Nyantakyi was pictured taking $65,000 (£48,000) from an undercover reporter.
He stepped down as GFA president in June after film of him allegedly accepting a “cash gift” was made public.
The film was captured by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and BBC Africa’s investigations unit, Africa Eye, received exclusive access to the footage.
Nyantakyi later resigned his Caf and Fifa posts but claimed the footage had been doctored to falsely incriminate him.
