FIFA bans Kwesi Nyantakyi for life; fines him over GHC 2.4 million

Former Ghana FA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi has been banned for life by world football governing body FIFA.

According to FIFA, Nyantakyi is banned from taking part in all football-related activities and the ban takes effect immediately.

The life ban follows extensive investigations by FIFA’s Adjudicatory Chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee into the conduct of Mr Nyantakyi who was captured in an explosive expose by Ghanaian investigator Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

The adjudicatory chamber found Mr Nyantakyi guilty of having violated Article 19 (conflict of interest), Article 21 (Bribery and corruption) and Article 22 (Commission) of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2012 edition.

Mr Nyantakyi has additionally been fined 500,000 Swiss Francs (over GHS 2.4million).

According to a FIFA statement, Mr Nyantakyi was notified today about the ban.

This brings to a sad end of the glittering career of the man considered as the most successful GFA President in the history of Ghana football.



Nyantakyi reigned as GFA President for 13 years and helped Ghana’s Black Stars to qualify for three successive FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014). Nyantakyi rose through the ranks to become the Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He was highly tipped to take over from current CAF President Ahmad Ahmad in the near future.

Kwesi Nyantakyi was initially suspended on June 8 for 90 days by the adjudicatory chamber of Fifa’s independent Ethics Committee. The ban was later extended for an additional 45 days on September 6.

What’s Nyantakyi’s crime 

He was filmed in an undercover investigation by controversial Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas taking $65,000 (£48,000) from an undercover reporter pretending to be a businessman.

Soon after the ban on 8 June Nyantakyi resigned from the posts he had held with football’s world governing body, Fifa, and the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
He left his role on the Fifa Council and stepped aside from his roles with Caf including as 1st vice-president, the most senior figure at the confederation after its president, Ahmad.

As well as the Fifa suspension Nyantakyi also resigned as president of the GFA on 8 June following an executive committee meeting.

Nyantakyi has always denied any wrongdoing.