FIFA ethics investigators recommend nine-year ban for Valcke

Suspended FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke is facing a nine-year ban from world soccer after recommendations made by FIFA’s Ethics Committee.

Valcke is facing a nine-year ban following an investigation into his conduct by the organisation’s ethics committee.

In a statement released by FIFA ethics committee, the body said: ‘‘The chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Dr Cornel Borbély, has concluded his investigation into the activities of the currently suspended FIFA Secretary General, Jérôme Valcke, and handed over the respective report together with recommendations to the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee which is chaired by Mr Hans-Joachim Eckert.

“At the same time, Dr Borbély requested an extension of the suspension of Mr Valcke from all football-related activities for a further 45 days. The suspension imposed on Mr Valcke on October 7, 2015 for a duration of 90 days will end today, January 5, 2016, at midnight.

“In his final report, the chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee recommended imposing a sanction of a nine-year ban and a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs ($99,029.51) on Mr Valcke for alleged violation of the general rules of conduct, loyalty, confidentiality , duty of disclosure, cooperation and reporting, conflicts of interest, offering and accepting gifts and other benefits and general obligation to collaborate.

“Until a formal decision is taken by the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Mr Valcke is presumed innocent.”

Valcke’s 90-day suspension over World Cup ticket selling accusations was to end on midnight on Tuesday but investigators also recommended the ethics committee extend this by some 45 days more.

He has denied any wrongdoing.