March 12 – FIFA has extended the provisional ban of Afghanistan Football Federation president Keramuudin Karim (pictured) over allegations of sexual abuse by a further 90 days.
In January Karim lost the first crucial stage in his effort to clear his name when FIFA chief ethics judge Vassilios Skouris dismissed his initial appeal while an investigation continues.
FIFA was alerted last year to reports of abuse which allegedly happened at federation headquarters in Kabul and a training camp in Jordan. Karim has totally denied any wrongdoing but Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has also ordered an investigation while Danish sportswear brand Hummel have cancelled a national team sponsorship deal.
In a statement Fifa said that during the latest suspension “Mr Karim will continue to be banned from all football-related activities at both national and international level.”
FIFA explained that a request from the investigatory chamber had led to the adjudicatory chamber extending the ban for another 90 days.
Last month the former head of women’s football in Afghanistan, one of those who lifted the lid on Karim’s alleged conduct, told Insideworldfootball she would not be silenced and urged FIFA to maintain pressure on those responsible.
Khalida Popal, who was forced to flee the country seven years ago and seek asylum in Denmark after receiving death threats, said the evidence was overwhelming and wants Kerim to be kicked out for good.
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