On 8 June 2019, Mr Karim was found guilty by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee of having abused his position and sexually abused various female players, in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

As a result, Mr Karim was sanctioned with a life ban from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level, as well as a fine in the amount of CHF 1,000,000. 

CAS has dismissed Mr Karim’s appeal and fully confirmed the decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee.

In a case of unprecedented gravity, CAS has confirmed the importance of FIFA’s zero tolerance policy against physical, mental and sexual abuses at all levels of football, as well as the adequacy of the strongest sanctions in such cases.

Finally, FIFA commends the bravery of those victims who, under dreadful personal circumstances in their home country, have come forward and allowed for justice to be served. We trust that their example will encourage other victims and survivors of such terrible circumstances to report them in the future, knowing that they can count on FIFA’s support at all times.