Fifa’s independent ethics committee has opened formal proceedings against Patrick Assoumou Eyi, Serge Mombo and two other coaches as part of its investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in Gabon.
The former national under-17 coach Eyi – known as “Capello” – is awaiting sentencing in Gabon after admitting charges of raping, grooming and exploiting young players following allegations first made in the Guardian last year. He was provisionally suspended by the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) in December and banned from all football-related activities there – a sanction that has now been extended worldwide according to a statement from Fifa on Tuesday.
