FIFA Bans Former South African Football Boss

(ATR) The former president of the South African Football Association (SAFA) was banned for five years by FIFA’s ethics committee on Thursday.

Kirsten Nematandani was originally suspended by FIFA in December 2012 after "compelling evidence" was found that friendly matches involving the South African national team in the buildup to the 2010 World Cup had been fixed.

FIFA said that Nematandani had violated articles on general conduct, loyalty and disclosure.

Soccer’s governing body came down even harder on two other officials connected to the same case.

Former Zimbabwe Football Association official Jonathan Musavengana and former Togo national team coach Banna Tchanile were given life bans for alleged bribery and corruption violations.

FIFA had previously fined and banned former SAFA CEO Leslie Sedibe for five years for his role in the scandal.

FIFA's Head of Media Departing

Delia Fischer is leaving her position as FIFA’s Head of Media at the end of the year.

Fischer, who spent nearly 15 years at FIFA, has been in charge of FIFA World Cup communications since 2007. She became the first woman to serve as Head of Media when she was promoted to the position in 2013.

"As a passionate football fan, I feel privileged to have contributed to the growth and betterment of the game as part of FIFA’s organisation for more than a decade," she said in a statement. "It has been a very rewarding experience and I have been lucky to have worked with so many talented and dedicated people. I will miss FIFA very much, but I feel it is the right moment to take the next step in my career. I am excited about pursuing new opportunities and using the skills I have developed here at FIFA on this new road I am taking."

Fischer’s departure is the latest in a series of top level staff turnover since Gianni Infantino was elected president in February.

She joins director of security Ralf Mutschke , audit and compliance committee chair Domenico Scala, chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak, marketing director Thierry Weil and director of television division Niclas Ericson in leaving FIFA.

Written by Gerard Farek

Homepage photo: Getty Images

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