Benin international defender Olivier Verdon has been suspended from all national team activities for six months following disciplinary action by the Benin Football Federation (FBF).
The FBF confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that the sanction came after a formal disciplinary process found the defender guilty of multiple breaches of the team’s internal regulations.
In addition to the six-month suspension, Verdon was handed an extra six-month suspended sentence, meaning further disciplinary issues could lead to additional consequences.
According to the federation, the punishment was imposed after violations relating to discipline, compliance with management instructions and obligations linked to collective life within the national team setup.
“This decision follows the discovery of several breaches of rules of discipline, internal operation, respect for instructions from management and obligations of collective life applicable to all players called up for national selection,” the FBF said in a statement.
The suspension will prevent Verdon from representing any Benin national team or taking part in official activities during the period of his ban.
The federation emphasized that the decision was aimed at protecting the authority of the coaching staff, maintaining squad unity and ensuring equal treatment among all players.
The FBF further stated that every player, regardless of their status or reputation, must respect the same standards of discipline and responsibility while representing the country.
No additional details surrounding the incidents that led to the punishment were disclosed, with the federation explaining that it wished to protect the interests of the institution, the national team and the individuals involved.
