FIFA bans former Guyana football official Alves for five years over harassment

FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee has banned former Guyana Football Federation (GFF) General Secretary Ian ​Alves from all football-related activities for ‌five years after finding he sexually harassed female staff members.

FIFA also fined Alves 20,000 Swiss francs ($22,000) after ​determining that he had breached provisions ​of the FIFA Code of Ethics relating ⁠to 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 said on Monday.

The decision ​followed a review of written statements from ​the victims, documents provided by the GFF, submissions from ‌Alves, ⁠and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

Alves stepped down from his position in 2024.

The ban came into force on Monday, when ​the terms of ​the ⁠decision were notified to Alves, and the full grounds for the ​ruling will be communicated within 60 ​days ⁠in accordance with the Code of Ethics, FIFA added.

The GFF did not immediately respond to ⁠a ​Reuters request for comment. Alves ​could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reuters)

Editor’s Note: However, hours after the circulation of the Reuters report, the Guyana Football Federation released statement regarding the Ethics Committee’s decision, confirming that the Federation reported the matter to FIFA.

The statement read, “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) acknowledges the decision of FIFA’s Adjudicatory Chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee to sanction Mr. Ian Alves. The decision outlines findings of breaches of FIFA’s Code of Ethics and imposes a ban from all football-related activities, together with a financial penalty.

The GFF confirms that it formally reported this matter and fully cooperated with FIFA throughout the investigative process, in strict accordance with all applicable regulations and procedural requirements.
The Federation maintains a comprehensive framework of policies and codes of conduct that demand the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability from all staff and officials. The GFF Council reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on any form of abuse of power or misconduct.

The GFF remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, good governance, and the protection of the integrity of football in Guyana.”