FIFA bans Saudi referee for life over match-fixing bid

By Doga Kirmizioglu

ANKARA

FIFA has banned a Saudi referee for life ahead of the World Cup 2018 over his match-fixing attempt, the country's football federation announced Wednesday.

Referee Fahad Al-Mirdasi was listed among FIFA World Cup 2018 officials.

In a statement, Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) said the official had attempted to fix a match and, therefore, he has been banned from football for life.

The statement said Al-Mirdasi attempted to fix a match on Saturday when Al-Faisaly and Al-Ittihad played in the King's Cup final.

Al-Mirdasi has confessed to his illegal bid to fix the match in favor of Al-Ittihad.