Shohag refrains from pointing fingers at BFF high-ups

Almost a month after a FIFA-imposed two-year suspension, Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) former general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag, in the presence of his lawyers, finally appeared before the media on Wednesday to explain his current position and the steps he took during the investigation process. 

"There are a lot of discussions regarding the FIFA revelation and there are also queries from the journalists. In which process we are going forward? Whether we have appealed against the decision? Under which procedure we worked on during the investigation? And, what are the things FIFA highlighted in their report and what will we submit in the coming days? Besides, there are some things I need to share with you , that's why this press briefing has been arranged," Shohag said, addressing the journos during a press conference at a hotel in the capital today.

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee sanctioned Shohag on April 14, citing breaches of articles 13 (General duties), 15 (Duty of loyalty) and 24 (Forgery and falsification) of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2020 edition.

However, Shohag's lawyer Ajmalul Hossain claimed that the procedure followed during the investigation was faulty and that's why they have appealed against the decision of the adjudicatory chamber to the Court of Arbitration in Lausanne.

"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 said. "The allegations were misappropriation of funds, misuse of funds and failure in the procurement process. The Investigatory chamber did not find any evidence of misappropriation of funds, and he was discharged of that allegation. But they said there was misuse of funds and that the procurement procedure was 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 added. 

The lawyer claimed that the verdict from the Adjudicatory chamber was not right as from 2016 to 2022, the timeline pertaining to the allegations made, the official process required the BFF to send a letter to FIFA mentioning a purchase items list, and only after a scrutiny by FIFA, the BFF was allowed to make the purchase that too after the FIFA approved the release fund for it. 

"This means the FIFA itself scrutinised the matter of purchase and we have provided a lot of evidence [showing the communication between FIFA and BFF regarding the matter] but they [Adjudicatory chamber] did not accept it. That's why we have appealed against the decision," Hossain clarified.

He also said, "The Adjudicatory chamber did not accept our argument that the FIFA's investigation was faulty as it did not follow the procedure of investigation. As that's why we decided to appeal."

Even though there remains a belief that Shohag can not be the only person to be blamed for this as many other BFF high-ups are involved in this matter, Shohag did not point blame towards anyone. 

"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 and that's why we are trying to prove my innocence," he said. 

Shohag also clarified why he had initially refrained from making a statement.  

"I have been in the appeal process in the court of arbitration, so until I go there to present and defend myself, I was advised to not talk to you. I believe the truth will reveal and time will say everything."