Dinnierose Raiko – EMTV Sports, Port Moresby
PNG Football is back in the spot light once more, this time regarding Vice President John Wesley Gonjuan. Gonjuan who was Competition Manager back in 2016 for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Local Organizing Committee was found guilty by FIFA’s adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee for having conflicts of interest and for offering and accepting gifts or benefits in violation of FIFA Code of Ethics.
According to a FIFA Media Release sent out late last week, an investigation identified that a company owned by Gonjuan produced a receipt of an amount in 2016 was found to be unjustified, and given his role during the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, the adjudicatory Chamber deemed it a conflict of interest.
As of last Friday, the 4th of October, a fine of 50, 000 Swiss Francs (equivalent of over K171 000) was imposed on Mr Gonjuan, along with a 2 year- 8-month ban from participating in any football-related activity, whether it be national or international.
The press statement further states that he was found guilty of breaching ARTICLE 19 (Conflicts of interest) and Article 20 (Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits) of the 2019 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics
Consequently, Gonjuan has taken his leave of the Port Moresby Soccer Association President Post on Sunday, 6th October, and Joseph Ealedona stepped in to head the Capital’s soccer association.
Sport Scene reached out to Mr Gonjuan for comments and was provided the press statement below with his response.
JWG Media Release – Football Ban 06.10.2019
