Samson Siasia seeks 250,000 Euros to fight FIFA life ban

LAGOS, Nigeria – Former Coach of Super Eagles, Samson Siasia has appealed to Nigerians to assist him in raising the sum of 250,000 Euros to fight life ban that Federation of International Football(FIFA) placed on him.

Samson Siasia coached Nigeria between 2010-2011 and for a period in 2016. He has also served as coach of Nigeria’s Under-20 and Under-23.

But FIFA in a statement in August 19, 2019 said the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has found   Mr Samson Siasia guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

FIFA said formal ethics proceedings against Mr Samson Siasia were initiated on 11 February 2019, following an extensive investigation into matches that Mr. Wilson Raj Perumal attempted to manipulate for betting purposes.

“This large-scale investigation was conducted by FIFA via its competent departments and in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and authorities.  In its decision, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Siasia had breached        art. 11 (Bribery) of the 2009 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics and banned him for life 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 50,000 has been imposed on Mr Siasia.

“The decision was notified to Mr Siasia today, the date on which the ban comes into force. In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 50,000 (US$50,000) has been imposed on Mr Siasia.”

Siasia who was not at the trial is currently broke and he is seeking the sum of 250,000 Euros to file appeal to upturn his life ban. He also uploaded a video with account numbers beging Nigerians to donate to enable him raise the money to offset the bill.

Speaking in his behalf on Arise TV, former Nigeria’s international, Segun Odegbami said Samson Siasia believes that Nigerians can assist him if about 200,000 Nigerians contribute just N500 each into his account.

He described Samson Siasia as one of Nigeria’s highest goal scorer and most effective coach in Nigeria’s history.