FIFA bans 2015 U17 World Cup-winning striker for four years for doping violation

2015 U17 World Cup-winning striker, Orji Okonkwo has had his four-year ban for doping violation by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal extended worldwide by world football –governing body, FIFA, the Nigeria Football Federation informed through a press release on Saturday, September 17.

In its ruling on the case for worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian NADO, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case, the decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.

"Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022. More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision."

The four-year ban on the player is between 25th February 2022 and 24th February 2026.

Okonkwo made five appearances for the Golden Eaglets at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, scoring once in a semifinal clash against Mexico while bagging an assist versus Australia.

The 24-year-old has been inactive at club level for 209 days, with his last appearance coming against Benevento on February 20, 2022 during a loan spell at AS Cittadella.

Ferdinand Mbum

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