CONCACAFs Austin Claims Court Ruling Reinstatement

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) acting president Lisle Austin, who was suspended from the role having initially stepped in to replace the ousted Jack Warner, claimed a court ruling yesterday, June 30, allowing him to return to office.

Austin assumed the position of acting head of CONCACAF after Warner was suspended by FIFA’s Ethics Committee in the wake of its investigation into bribery allegations. Warner later resigned but Austin was then suspended by the CONCACAF Executive Committee after trying to dismiss general secretary Chuck Blazer.

This ruling was extended on a global basis by FIFA, but Austin has now fired back after claiming victory in a court ruling in the Bahamas. Austin stated that the Bahamian court had ruled that CONCACAF’s decision to suspend him and appoint Alfredo Hawit in his place was a contempt of court because the body had ignored an earlier injunction.

A statement from Austin, reported by Reuters, read: “In its ruling yesterday (Wednesday) the Bahamian Court held that CONCACAF is in contempt of court as a result of its disobedience of the terms of the Order dated 10 June, 2011.

“As a result of the contempt, the court did not allow CONCACAF to proceed with its hearing to discharge the order. Therefore, the injunction against CONCACAF remains in place,” he added. “The organisation cannot interfere with my ability to perform my duties as acting president. It is my intention to lead CONCACAF into an era of transparency, accountability and reform.”