FIFA has officially imposed a worldwide ban on Ugandan footballer Mbazira Ashraf following his involvement in a match-fixing scandal tied to a 2024 league fixture between Kitara FC and Express FC.

The decision follows earlier disciplinary action taken by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), whose Ethics and Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the player on March 12, 2026. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed the case in line with Article 70 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows national sanctions to be extended globally across all member associations, confederations, and FIFA competitions.

With the ruling now enforced worldwide, Mbazira is barred from participating in any football-related activities at both domestic and international levels. The sanction marks a significant escalation in efforts to combat match manipulation within Ugandan football and reinforces FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance on integrity breaches in the sport.

The case stems from investigations into the controversial Kitara FC versus Express FC match played in 2024, which has been at the center of a broader match-fixing probe. According to findings by FUFA and later reviewed by FIFA, multiple individuals were found to have been involved in the manipulation of the fixture, prompting disciplinary proceedings at both national and international levels.

Prior to Mbazira’s sanction, FIFA had already issued global bans to several other individuals connected to the same case, including former Express FC head coach Mike Mutyaba, goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa, and former club chief executive officer Ashraf Miiro Mwanje. Their punishments were confirmed earlier after they were found culpable in influencing the outcome of the match.

Mbazira’s ban comes after his case underwent further review, highlighting that disciplinary processes in such matters can vary in timeline depending on the complexity of investigations and available evidence. His inclusion now expands the list of sanctioned individuals tied to one of the most high-profile match-fixing incidents in Ugandan football in recent years.

FUFA has continued to emphasize its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the game, working closely with FIFA to investigate and punish cases of match manipulation. The federation has also warned players, officials, and stakeholders against engaging in activities that compromise the credibility of football competitions.

The development underscores growing scrutiny around match-fixing in African football and signals stronger enforcement measures by governing bodies. FIFA’s decision to extend the ban globally ensures that offenders cannot evade sanctions by moving to other leagues or jurisdictions.

As investigations into football integrity continue, this case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences facing individuals involved in match-fixing and the increasing collaboration between national associations and FIFA to protect the sport.