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FIFA Ethics Committee Bans Former World Cup Bid Evaluation Chairman

The FIFA Ethics Committee has handed a seven-year ban from all national and international soccer activity to Harold Mayne-Nicholls, former chairman of the Chilean FA and the bid evaluation group for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Mayne-Nicholls was tasked by FIFA to look into the suitability of the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but it is believed his report was largely ignored.

FIFA have not released the reason for Mayne-Nicholls's suspension, but many believe it had to do with Mayne-Nicholls trying to arrange unpaid internships at the Aspire Academy in Qatar for his son and nephew.

FIFA's full statement:

The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee, chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert, has decided to ban Harold Mayne-Nicholls, former chairman of the Bid Evaluation Group for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and former Chilean Football Association President, from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for a period of seven years.

The decision was taken following a hearing in the presence of the accused and the chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Dr Cornel Borbély.

In accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Code of Ethics* more detailed information will be given after this final decision becomes effective.

Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus

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