Fifa bans former Guyana football chief for five years over sexual harassment

SportFootballFifa bans former Guyana football chief for five years over sexual harassmentFifa announced its decision to ban Ian Alves on Monday Angelica Medina Monday 04 May 2026 18:17 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarks Close popoveropen image in galleryFifa has banned a former Guyana football chief (AFP/Getty)Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sportGet our free Inside Sport newsletterGet our free Inside Sport newsletterEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ian Alves, the former General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), has been banned from all football-related activities for five years by Fifa’s independent Ethics Committee. The decision follows findings that Mr Alves sexually harassed female staff members. In addition to the ban, Fifa imposed a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs ($22,000) on Mr Alves. The committee determined he had breached provisions of the Fifa Code of Ethics concerning the protection of physical and mental integrity, abuse of position, and general duties. "Fifa has a strict stance against all forms of abuse in football," the organisation stated on Monday. open image in galleryFifa issued a statement on Monday following the decision to ban Alves (AP)The ruling came after a thorough review, which included written statements from the victims, documents provided by the GFF, submissions from Mr Alves, and other evidence gathered during the investigation. Mr Alves had stepped down from his role back in 2024. The ban became effective on Monday, coinciding with the notification of the decision's terms to Mr Alves. Fifa confirmed that the full grounds for the ruling would be communicated within 60 days, in line with its Code of Ethics. The GFF did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Mr Alves could not be reached. The news of Fifa’s ruling comes a little over five weeks before the 2026 World Cup is due to get underway. The tournament will begin with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium on 11 June. Thomas Tuchel’s England are scheduled to get their own campaign underway six days later when they take on 2018 finalists Croatia, prior to further group stage matches against Ghana and Panama. The World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is due to last over five weeks, with the final taking place in New Jersey on 19 July. More aboutFIFAWorld Cup 2026GuyanaMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next