/ 20 March 2017

Fifa bans Ghanaian match official for life for match fixing

Referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey.
Referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey.

Ghanaian match official Joseph Odartei Lamptey was on Monday banned for life by world football’s governing body, Fifa, for match fixing.

Lamptey was found guilty of breaching Fifa’s disciplinary code during a World Cup qualifying game between South Africa and Senegal on November 12 2016.

“The official was found guilty of unlawfully influencing match results,” Fifa said in a statement.

Zurich-based Fifa said it was dismissing charges against another Ghanaian match official David Lionheart Nii Lartey Laryea, who had also been under investigation.

“Further information concerning the South Africa versus Senegal match in question will be provided once the decision becomes final and binding,” Fifa said.

“Fifa will continue with its ongoing efforts to combat match manipulation through a variety of initiatives, which include the monitoring of international betting and a confidential reporting system with a dedicated integrity hotline and email address.” — AFP