Egypt economic court postpones trial of former CAF chairman Issa Hayatou

Published April 3rd, 2017 - 02:50 GMT
Hayatou faces charges of violating the country's competition law by granting exclusive broadcasting rights to a single company without a tender
Hayatou faces charges of violating the country's competition law by granting exclusive broadcasting rights to a single company without a tender

The Cairo Economic Court has postponed until 6 May proceedings in the case against former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou, who is accused of violating Egypt's Competition Law in selling exclusive broadcast and sponsoring rights to Lagardère Sports.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) has accused Hayatou and the confederation's Secretary-General Hisham El-Omrani of violating the competition law by granting exclusive broadcasting rights without a tender.

The ECA referred the case to the prosecution early this year, asking for the suspension of the commercial contract between CAF and French company Lagardère Sports, saying it violates Egypt's anti-monopoly laws.

The 70-year-old Hayatou lost his position as CAF head, which he held for 29 years, after losing elections last month to Ahmed of Madagascar.

The CAF was founded in 1957 in Khartoum by the Egyptian, Ethiopian and Sudanese football associations.

Egypt maintains that since Cairo is home to the CAF headquarters, the decisions of its officials are subject to the country's laws.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content