Officials from the Ethiopian Premier League Share Company stated they are still investigating more clubs and players after penalizing four clubs and multiple players on February 24.
In an official presser organized in Addis Ababa, the league’s board chairman Lieutenant Fekade Mamo and general manager Kifele Seyife commented on the latest developments.
The task force set up by the league and government law enforcement offices are still engaged in questioning more players and two clubs. “Two clubs and 10 players are now under investigation.” said Seyife.
Mamo further added that any attempts to sabotage the ongoing investigation will only have a negative impact on Ethiopian football. The long serving board chairman of Ethiopian Coffee also said he will resign from his post at the league if there is an outside intervention to stop the investigation. “We will enforce the regulation. If someone said 'no you can’t do this' then we will resign from here.”
In a shocking revelation, the task force is currently investigating three unnamed sport journalists for alleged participation in the handing out of down payments to players. The league also confirmed that 12,000 USD (1,500,000 Birr) in reward money will be given to those who successfully inform about suspected violators.
Mamo noted that penalized clubs and players can appeal the decision. So far, Mekele 70 Enderta, Mechal, Sidama Coffee and Hawassa Ketema all appealed to the Ethiopian Football Federation Appeal Committee.
The Ethiopian Premier League is being assisted by the Ethiopian government's financial security agency and Federal Police in combating tax evasion. These recent developments mark the first time that the league has taken strong action to deal with financial irregularities involving clubs and players.
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