A former African youth international team coach has officially been banned from football for life by FIFA following an investigation into his treatment of minors.
Check Out: Benni Reveals Why He Chose Kenya Over MLS
Ex-Gabon Under-17 coach Patrick Assoumou Eyi has been found guilty of sexually assaulting four minor players during his tenure coaching the Central African nation.
An official statement from world football's governing body said:
"The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found Mr Patrick Assoumou Eyi, former coach of the U-17 men's national team of the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT), guilty of abusing his position and committing repeated acts of sexual abuse against multiple players, in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
"The investigation into Mr Eyi concerns complaints from at least four male football players who accused him of sexual abuse between 2006 and 2021. Most of these incidents occurred while the players were minors.
"In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Eyi had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) and article 26 (Abuse of position) of the FIFA Code of Ethics and sanctioned him with a lifetime ban from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level. In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 1,000,000 has been imposed on Mr Eyi.
Check Out: Zamalek Chief Breaks Silence on Pitso Links
"The terms of the decision have been notified today to Mr Eyi via FEGAFOOT."
