FIFA suspends Magogo for two months over world cup ticket resale

Fufa president Moses Magogo will return to office in December this year after serving a suspension from Fifa for selling Brazil 2014 World Cup tickets allocated to Uganda to foreign parties.

Fifa, through the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee, made the communication Thursday, saying the two-month suspension takes effect October 10.

"The Independent Ethics Committee has ratified the plea bargain entered into by Mr Moses Hassim Magogo, President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations and member of the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee, and the chairperson of the investigatory chamber," read in part the Communication.

"An investigation into Mr Magogo was opened on 23 July 2018 related to the resale of 2014 Fifa World Cup™ tickets.

"In accordance with art. 67 par.1 of the Fifa Code of Ethics, the parties have mutually agreed on the following sanctions: A fine of CHF 10,000 (about Shs37 million)

"(And) a two-month suspension from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level."

READ:

Magogo’s case a thorny terrain

Fifa have now asked Magogo to step aside “for two months” as they conclude in-depth investigations

According to lawyer Fred Muwema of Muwema & Co Advocates & Solicitors, Magogo used the available channels in Fifa to negotiate lenient punishment and by doing that, he admitted guilt of the charge.

"The accused will benefit from a lenient sentence and negotiate favourable terms to reduce the claim against him, so a plea bargain is an admission of guilt in a way," explained Muwema.

"It is a request by the accused to settle the case outside the formal proceedings or trial

"It is done when the accused feels that he may not mount a strong defence against the prosecution."

Magogo a fortnight ago announced he had entered a plea bargain with Fifa and was stepping aside to allow for the case to be investigated.

He was accused by Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana of allegedly selling Uganda's allocation of tickets to US-based associate Howard Schwartz, contradicting Article 21 (2) of the Code of Ethics.

Fifa's latest communication confirms they have completed their investigations and, for Magogo's role in the sale of Uganda's allocation of World Cup tickets, he will serve a two-month suspension and pay the fine.