FIFA Ethics Committee extends Jerome Valcke ban

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FIFA Ethics Committee extends Jerome Valcke ban image

The adjudicatory chamber of FIFA's Ethics Committee has extended general secretary Jerome Valcke's suspension from all soccer-related activities by 45 days.

Valcke's initial 90-day ban came to an end on Tuesday, but investigatory chamber chairman Cornel Borbely asked that suspension to be extended. The adjudicatory chamber granted Borbely's request.

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"The extension of the suspension starts from today [Jan. 6]," a statement read.

Valcke has been linked to a scheme that intended to sell tickets for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at above their face value before the contract was canceled before any were sold. The investigatory chamber called for Valcke to be banned for nine years over allegations of corruption.

"In his final report, the chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee recommended imposing a sanction of a nine-year ban," read a FIFA statement on Tuesday. The panel also imposed a fine of more than $99,000.

"Until a formal decision is taken by the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Mr. Valcke is presumed innocent."

Valcke has been suspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter's right-hand man since 2007. He has denied the allegations made against him, claiming FIFA is trying to improve its damaged public image by placing the blame upon him.

"The Investigatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee has chosen to ignore Jerome Valcke's exemplary conduct and extraordinary contributions during his long tenure as secretary general," a statement from Valcke's lawyers read.

"Mr. Valcke did absolutely nothing wrong as any independent and fair review of the facts would establish."

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