Former President of the Football Association of Zambia Kalusha Bwalya has vowed to appeal the two-year ban handed to him by the Federation of International Football (FIFA).
The ex-international who expressed surprise by the ban on him has instructed his legal team to commence proceedings
The former African Footballer was banned by the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee for reportedly receiving benefits from banned Qatari official Mohammed Bin Hammam.
In a statement, Bwalya said that he is not guilty of any offence, vowing to clear his name.
“I am surprised and saddened by today’s receipt of the notification from the FIFA Ethics Committee adjudication,” Bwalya said.
“I have instructed my legal team to immediately appeal this decision urgently and would like to state that I am NOT guilty of any offense which allegedly took place.
“I’ve never done and will never do anything to bring the beautiful game into disrepute, and stand by the facts provided by me to the Committee.
“I, unfortunately, cannot provide any further details, as I’ve been advised by my legal team that to do so may jeopardize my chances of obtaining leave to appeal.
“FIFAs decision is not final and I will fight to clear my name. I thank all my fans for their ongoing support.”