TT pair handed life bans by FIFA

THE TT pair of Keyeno Thomas and Karlon Murray were among eight individuals (past and present players and a players' agent) handed life bans by FIFA today for their involvement in match manipulation/fixing, in violation of article 69 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (unlawfully influencing match results).

The 41-year-old Thomas made 74 international appearances for TT between 1998 and 2005, and played locally with Joe Public, San Juan Jabloteh while the 34-year-old Murray (who, like Thomas, was a central defender) represented TT at the youth level and had stints at the Pro League with Jabloteh and Police FC.

Also given life bans by FIFA were Hellings Mwakasungula (Malawi), Ibrahim Kargbo (Sierra Leone), Kudzanai Shaba (Zimbabwe), Séïdath Tchomogo (Benin), Leonel Duarte (Cuba) and Mohammad Salim Israfeel Kohistani (Afghanistan).

Kenyan player George Owino Audi was slapped with a 10-year ban from any kind of football-related activity at both national and international level (administrative, sports or any other).

According to a report on the FIFA website, "The formal disciplinary proceedings into the aforementioned individuals stemmed from an extensive investigation into various international matches that Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes. This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA over several years through its Integrity Department and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities."

FIFA pointed out that the individuals were notified of the decisions today, the date on which the relevant bans come into force.