The Confederation of African Football media officer provisionally banned for five years after it was claimed he sexually abused a female official in his hotel room during the African Nations Championship in Algeria has been accused of offering to pay another official to “come to his room” at a previous tournament.
Felix Sohounde Peperipé – a Beninese journalist who has been working as one of the confederation’s media officers on a freelance basis during the tournament for African players playing in their national leagues – was sent home this week after a hearing of the Caf disciplinary committee in Algiers.
According to the disciplinary committee’s decision, made public by Caf, the alleged victim said that he “attacked” her last weekend, “trying to kiss her” after she went to his hotel room to collect accreditation documents. “She pushed him and ran out of the bedroom,” reads the decision.
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The alleged incident was reported to Caf and Peperipé was provisionally suspended for “indecent conduct until he provides the disciplinary jury with a response to the said allegations”.
It has emerged that another alleged victim has come forward claiming that she experienced “indecent behaviour” from Peperipé in Cameroon two years ago. “Victim ‘Y’ detailed that Mr Felix Sohounde Peperipé offered her to come to his room and that he will pay her the necessary amount for such an act,” the statement said.
Caf’s disciplinary jury heard from both alleged victims before deciding to suspend Peperipé. A complaint has been lodged with Algerian police alleging sexual assault but it is not known whether Peperipé will face charges.
Peperipé has denied the accusations, saying they are a plot to “sully his reputation”.
