Abu Nayeem Shohag, the former general secretary of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), finally appeared in front of the media on Wednesday to explain his current situation and the steps he took during the investigation process. His appearance came almost a month after FIFA imposed a two-year suspension on the BFF. Shohag did so in the presence of his attorneys.
“There are a lot of conversations surrounding the FIFA reveal and there are also inquiries from the press. Which of these processes are we moving forward with? I was wondering whether we had filed an appeal against the ruling. During the course of the investigation, we worked on what procedure exactly? And, what are some of the things that FIFA noted in their report, and what will we be submitting in the days ahead? Besides that, there are other things I need to discuss with you, which is why this press briefing has been scheduled,” Shohag remarked, addressing the journalists during a press conference that took place today at a hotel in the capital of the country.
On April 14, the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee handed down a punishment on Shohag, citing violations of paragraphs 13 (General duties), 15 (Duty of allegiance), and 24 (Forgery and falsification) of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2020 edition. These violations were cited as the basis for the sentence.
Nevertheless, Shohag’s attorney Ajmalul Hossain said that the method that was followed during the investigation was improper. As a result, Shohag and his legal team have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration in Lausanne in opposition to the verdict that was rendered by the adjudicatory chamber.
“Before the Investigatory chamber started its work, a FIFA internal report brought some allegations against the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), where some allegations were made against my client [Abu] Nayeem,” Hossain added. “Before the Investigatory chamber started its work, some allegations were brought against the Bangladesh Football Federation.” “The allegations included the theft of funds, the improper use of funds, and a failure in the process of purchasing goods and services. He was cleared of the accusation of misappropriating money when the Investigative Chamber came to the conclusion that there was no evidence to support the claim. However, they reported that funds were misappropriated and that the appropriate procurement procedures were not followed.
“These two matters were presented to the Adjudicatory chamber, which said there was no misuse of funds but said the procurement process was not followed, and on the basis of that, Nayeem has been banned for two years,” Hossain continued. “The ban comes as a result of the fact that the procurement process was not followed.”
The attorney argued that the decision reached by the Adjudicatory chamber was incorrect on the grounds that the timeline pertaining to the allegations made from 2016 to 2022 was incorrect, the official process required the BFF to send a letter to FIFA mentioning a purchase items list, and only after a scrutiny by FIFA was the BFF allowed to make the purchase, that is, after the FIFA approved the release fund for it. The lawyer also claimed that the decision reached by the Adjudicatory chamber was incorrect.
“This indicates that FIFA itself investigated the subject of the purchase, and while we presented a significant amount of proof [indicating the contact between FIFA and BFF discussing the matter], they [the adjudicatory chamber] did not accept it. “This is why we have filed an appeal against the decision,” Hossain elucidated further.
He further remarked, “The Adjudicatory chamber did not accept our claim that the FIFA’s inquiry was defective as it did not follow the method of investigation. Because of this, we made the decision to lodge an appeal.”
Shohag did not point the finger of blame at anyone, despite the fact that many people continue to believe that he cannot be the only person to be blamed for this because so many other high-ups in the BFF are involved in this matter.
“I don’t know about others, and I am also not answerable for this, but as the CEO or general secretary of football federation, I have to take the responsibility,” he said. “That’s why we are trying to prove my innocence,” he added.
Shohag provided further explanation by elaborating on the reasons he had initially refrained from making a statement.
“I have been in the process of appealing the decision in the court of arbitration; therefore, I have been advised not to talk to you until I go there to present and defend myself.” I believe the truth will reveal and time will say everything.”