The four year ban on former Nigeria U17 star Orji Okwonkwo by the Italian Anti doping agency has been extended to a worldwide ban for the next four years by world football governing body FIFA.
Decision on the case for worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian NADO, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case, the decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.
“Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022. More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision.”
The ban will run from the 25th of February 2022 to the 24th of February 2026. His contract with Italian side Bologna would have run out before the end of the suspension. He only recently returned from a loan spell at Serie B Cittadella.