Yaw Yeboah and 6 other footballers who received lifetime bans from the game
Football authorities such as FIFA and major leagues around the world have imposed lifetime bans on players found guilty of serious offences like match-fixing and illegal betting. These punishments permanently bar individuals from participating in any football-related activities.
Here are some notable footballers who have received lifetime bans from the sport.
1. Ibrahim Kargbo (Sierra Leone)
Former Sierra Leone international Ibrahim Kargbo was banned for life by FIFA for his role in a match-fixing scheme involving international matches. Investigators determined that he accepted bribes to influence games involving the Sierra Leone national team. The ruling prevents him from participating in any football activity worldwide.
2. Hellings Mwakasungula (Malawi)
Malawian midfielder Hellings Mwakasungula, a former captain of the Malawi national team, was also handed a lifetime ban by FIFA after being found guilty of manipulating matches linked to international fixtures. Authorities concluded that he participated in attempts to influence match results.
READ MORE: Yaw Yeboah hit with lifetime MLS ban over betting scandal
3. Séïdath Tchomogo (Benin)
Former Benin international Séïdath Tchomogo received a lifetime suspension after investigations uncovered his involvement in match manipulation during international matches. FIFA later extended the sanction worldwide, effectively ending his football career.
4. Ramez Dayoub (Syria)
Syrian defender Ramez Dayoub was banned for life for taking part in international match-fixing operations involving Syria’s national team. The scandal involved several players accused of accepting money from betting syndicates to influence match outcomes.
5. Mahmoud El Ali (Lebanon)
Lebanese striker Mahmoud El Ali was also banned for life after being implicated in a major match-fixing scandal in Lebanese football. Investigations found that he was involved in manipulating matches connected to illegal betting markets.
6. Dominique Taboga (Austria)
Former Austrian defender Dominique Taboga received a lifetime ban after being convicted of attempting to fix matches in the Austrian league. Authorities discovered he worked with betting syndicates and attempted to persuade teammates to manipulate match outcomes.
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7. Yaw Yeboah (Ghana)
Former Ghana international Yaw Yeboah was handed a lifetime ban by Major League Soccer (MLS) after violating the league’s gambling policy. An investigation found that he and American midfielder Derrick Jones were involved in betting activities related to league matches during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
According to MLS, the players placed wagers on football games, including matches involving their own teams. In one incident, they reportedly bet on Jones receiving a yellow card in a match played on October 19, 2024 — which eventually occurred.
Investigators also determined that the players likely shared confidential information with bettors regarding their plans to receive yellow cards. However, the league stated that there was no evidence suggesting their actions influenced the final results of any matches.
The decision effectively ends Yeboah’s participation in MLS competitions and stands as one of the league’s strongest disciplinary actions related to gambling violations.
