In a statement published on its Facebook page, the Benin Football Federation (FBF) announced that it has suspended Benin international Olivier Verdon for six months. "This decision follows the observation of several breaches by the player of disciplinary rules, internal procedures, respect for coaching instructions, and the obligations of collective living applicable to all players called up to the national team."

A "six-month suspension, coupled with an additional six-month suspended sentence"

Following a properly conducted disciplinary procedure and after gathering the observations of the person concerned, the FBF decided to impose on him a "6-month firm suspension from the national selections of Benin accompanied by an additional 6-month suspended suspension".

During the suspension period, the Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) defender will not be able to "be called up or participate in any activity related to the national teams of Benin".

We will not know more about the circumstances that led to Mr. Verdon's suspension.

For the FBF, this measure aims to "preserve the authority of the technical staff, team cohesion, equal treatment of all players, and the values of discipline, responsibility, and exemplary conduct that must prevail within the national teams." It reaffirms "its commitment to respecting common rules by all stakeholders in national football, regardless of status or renown."

The institution declined to provide further details on the circumstances that led to Mr. Verdon's suspension.