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TAS 2020 A 7592 Ahmad Ahmad c. FIFA (CAS)

Why it matters

This case is a landmark in sports governance, demonstrating the strict enforcement of ethical standards by FIFA and CAS against high-ranking football officials. It clarifies the standard of proof ('comfortable satisfaction') in disciplinary proceedings and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in football administration. The decision also highlights the extraterritorial reach of FIFA's ethics code and the role of CAS in reviewing internal federation decisions.

Summary

Ahmad Ahmad, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA Vice-President, was sanctioned by the FIFA Ethics Committee for multiple violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics. The charges arose from his involvement in awarding a contract to Tactical Steel for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) without proper tender, accepting gifts (including a pilgrimage to Mecca), and misappropriating CAF funds. The FIFA Adjudicatory Chamber imposed a five-year ban from all football-related activities and a CHF 200,000 fine. Mr Ahmad appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing procedural violations and challenging the factual findings. The CAS Panel, applying Swiss law and the FIFA Code of Ethics, reviewed the evidence de novo. It found that Mr Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty by favoring Tactical Steel, accepted improper benefits, and abused his position. The Panel confirmed the ban and fine, emphasizing the seriousness of the misconduct and the need to protect football's integrity. The decision was final and binding.

The detail

Parties: TAS 2020 A 7592 Ahmad Ahmad c. FIFA

Outcome: The CAS Panel upheld the FIFA Ethics Committee's decision, banning Mr Ahmad from all football-related activities for five years and imposing a fine of CHF 200,000.

Quantum: CHF 200,000

Applicable law: FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) 2020 and 2018 editions; FIFA Statutes; CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration

Issues in play: The case involved the interpretation and application of FIFA's ethical rules, specifically Articles 15 (duty of loyalty), 20 (acceptance of gifts), 25 (abuse of position), and 28 (misappropriation of funds) of the FCE, against the backdrop of procedural fairness and the burden of proof.

Read the full decision at Court of Arbitration for Sport (football, via FIFA) ↗

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