(CMR) The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) and its President, Alfredo Whittaker it was reported Friday by football's governing body. The association has been fined roughly USD$55,564 (CHF $50,000) and Whittaker has been banned from official activity in connection with the national-team competition matches of the CIFA for six months.
The sanction relates to the FIFA World Cup 2022 preliminary competition match between the Cayman Islands and Canada held in Bradenton on March 29, 2021.
In April it was revealed that FIFA was opening disciplinary proceedings against CIFA. At the time they only said it was relating to “order and security at matches.”. Now it confirms that the section is in relation to breaches of FIFA Disciplinary Code (2019 edition). Specifically Article 16 (order and security at matches), Article 12 (misconduct of players and officials) and Article 11 (offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.)
It clarified that the Article 11 breach is relating to failing to respect the provision of the FIFA’s Return to Football – International Match Protocol, and the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ Preliminary Competition, including the COVID-19 Regulations.
Apparently, the delay of the match by one day due to Whittaker not presenting the PCR test results of the Cayman Islands national-team players and team officials as per the standard protocol on March 28 is one reason for the sanctions.
They also noted that his conduct was problematic and he was “found guilty of misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards a match official” and also demonstrated disregard for the established COVID-19 safety protocols.
Whittaker was elected president of CIFA in November 201 after a tumultuous time with the previous scandal involving Jeff Webb and others.
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