Ghanaian whistleblower Jeseph Odartei Lamptey has been handed a life ban from all football related activities by the world’s governing body FIFA for manipulating South Africa versus Senegal World Cup qualifier last year.
Joseph awarded a controversial 43rd minute penalty to “the Bafana Bafana” for handball, which video replays later showed did not occur.
Thulani Hlatshwayo converted the penalty with Thulani Serero doubling the lead minutes later for a 2-1 win. Cheikh Ndoye grabbed the consolation 15 minutes from time and despite the late charge, South Africa were home and dry.
The ref’s handling of the match attracted wide spread condemnation from across board – leading to a three-month ban from CAF, the continental football body.
“The official was found guilty of breaching art.69 par.1 (unlawfully influencing match results) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifying match between South Africa and Senegal on 12 November 2016,” a communique from FIFA reads partly.
“FIFA follows a zero tolerance policy on match manipulation and is committed to protecting integrity of football.
“Further information concerning the South Africa v. Senegal match in question will be provided once the decision becomes final and binding,” it added.
Another Ghanaian official David Lionheart Nii, however, survived the wrath of FIFA with all charges against him being dropped by the Disciplinary Committee.
Following the win, Bafana Bafana moved second in group “D” of the qualifiers on equal points as leaders Burkina Faso.
