The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a ruling on October 5, 2021, in the case of Ahmad Ahmad, former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), regarding violations of FIFA's Code of Ethics. The case centered on allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of power, and ethical breaches during Ahmad's tenure. Key issues included improper procurement practices, unauthorized payments, and misuse of CAF funds for personal or private purposes.
The CAS panel examined multiple violations, including Ahmad's dealings with Tactical Steel, a company contracted to supply equipment for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN). While suspicions arose due to procedural irregularities and higher costs compared to other suppliers, the panel found no conflict of interest or personal gain in Ahmad's decisions, concluding he acted transparently and in CAF's best interests. However, the panel upheld charges related to the misuse of CAF funds for a pilgrimage to Mecca, which was deemed a private event despite being partially funded by CAF. Ahmad was found to have abused his position by covering accommodation costs for Muslim presidents, violating FIFA's ethical standards.
Additionally, the panel addressed unauthorized financial transactions, including unexplained bank transfers and cash deposits totaling over $226,000, as well as a duplicate reimbursement of $13,849 for World Cup expenses. These were classified as undue benefits under FIFA's Code of Ethics. The panel also noted Ahmad's shifting explanations for certain payments, further undermining his credibility.
Regarding sanctions, the CAS reduced the original five-year ban imposed by FIFA's Ethics Committee to two years, citing mitigating factors such as Ahmad's cooperation and efforts to reform CAF. The fine was also lowered from CHF 200,000 to CHF 50,000, reflecting proportionality given the lesser sums involved compared to other high-profile cases, such as those involving Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini. The decision emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in football governance while acknowledging the complexities of Ahmad's leadership challenges.
Ultimately, the CAS ruling upheld key violations related to misappropriation of funds, gift-giving, and abuse of power but adjusted the penalties to align with precedents and mitigating circumstances. The case underscores the necessity of transparency and accountability in sports administration, reinforcing FIFA's commitment to ethical standards.