In a sharp response to his two-year banned, embattled CAF Exco member, Kalusha Bwalya, has released an official statement, claiming he is ready to fight ‘tooth and nail’ to redeem his image.
FIFA issued a statement on Friday claiming it has banned the 1988 African Football of the Year for two years, for accepting $80,000 from Mohammed bin Hamam as gift prior to 2022 world cup bid.
Such conduct is frowned upon by FIFA and against the code of ethics.
Bwalya, who expressed surprised and in awe claimed he has done nothing to warrant such a ban and has handed over the matter to his lawyers to appeal the decision.
OFFFICIAL STATEMENT
10th August 2018
I the undersigned KALUSHA BWALYA
Do hereby state that: –
• I am surprised and saddened by today’s receipt of the notification from the FIFA Ethics Committee adjudication.
• I have instructed my legal team to immediately appeal this decision urgently and would like to state that I am NOT guilty of any offence, which allegedly took place.
• I have never done and will never do anything to bring the beautiful game into disrepute and stand by the facts provided by me to the committee.
• I unfortunately cannot provide any further details as my legal team has advised I that this would jeopardize my chances of obtaining leave to appeal.
• FIFAs decision is not final and I will fight tooth and nail for justice to clear my name.
• I thank all my fans for their on-going support.
SIGNED
KALUSHA BWALYA
