Skip to main content

FIFA imposes life bans in South African match-fixing case

ZURICH (AP) FIFA's ethics judge has imposed life bans on a former coach of Togo's national team and a Zimbabwean official in a long-running case of fixed friendlies played ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

A former head of the South African federation also received a five-year ban from any soccer activities.

In previous verdicts, four SAFA officials were banned for up to six years for links to fixed 2010 World Cup warm-up games where referees were appointed by Singaporean match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal.

In a statement Thursday, FIFA said Jonathan Musavengana of Zimbabwe and Bana Tchanile of Togo received life bans for bribery and corruption.

Former SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani was found guilty of failing to report suspected corruption, and lack of cooperation with an investigation.