FIFA suspends Haiti football chief accused of rape

FIFA has suspended president of Haiti's football federation for 90 days pending an investigation into allegations he sexually abused teen girls at national training center. Yves Jean-Bart, 73, categorically denies accusations that he raped several young female footballers at a training facility outside Port-au-Prince over course of past five years.

FIFA suspends Haiti football chief

"In accordance with articles 84 and 85 of FIFA Code of Ethics, investigatory chamber of independent Ethics Committee has provisionally banned Mr Yves Jean-Bart, President of Haitian Football Federation (FHF), from all football-related activities at both national and international level, for a period of 90 days," FIFA said Monday in a statement.

"This sanction has been imposed in connection with ongoing investigations concerning Mr Jean-Bart. Mr Jean-Bart was tified of decision today. provisional sanction comes into force immediately." 

Haitian police have launched a probe into allegations, first revealed late last month, and a judge has already summoned several federation employees to answer questions. According to young women quoted in an article published by Guardian in late April, Jean-Bart raped multiple under players over years. Saying y had been pressured to remain silent, alleged victims told newspaper on condition of anymity that at least two under players had to get abortions after Jean-Bart assaulted m.

"We think that this is a good decision by FIFA because we realized that Yves Jean-Bart and his cartel can overshadow any judicial investigation," said Marie-Rosy Auguste Ducena of National Network for Defence of Human Rights (RNDDH).

Criticizing code of silence that she says hangs over sports industry, Ducena ted that "rumors of sexual bargains for football benefits have been circulating in country for a long time." Jean-Bart has led country's football federation for two decades. His re-election in February for a sixth term was a mere formality -- he ran upposed.

When contacted by AFP for comment, he did t respond. 

Im credits: AP