CAF president questioned by French authorities over corruption allegations

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ahmad Ahmad was questioned yesterday by French investigators, a source close to the probe said, reportedly concerning a breach of contract with Puma.The source confirmed reports by France Afrique magazine that Ahmad was being questioned by France’s white collar crime investigation body, but did not say what the investigation was about. Jeune Afrique said Ahmad was asked about allegations that CAF unilaterally broke a contract with German sports merchandise giant Puma, before signing a merchandise deal with a French supplier.In a statement, FIFA said that it had “taken note of the alleged events concerning Mr Ahmad Ahmad, who is being questioned by the French authorities in relation to allegations related to his mandate while President of CAF.”World football’s governing body said it was “unaware of the details surrounding this investigation.” Ahmad was in Paris for the FIFA Congress that was held on Wednesday, in which Gianni Infantino was re-elected for a second term as president after standing unopposed. The event took place two days before France kick off the Women’s World Cup against South Korea at the Parc des Princes today.US billionaire Commisso buys Italian club FiorentinaItalian-American media magnate Rocco Commisso on Thursday completed the takeover of Serie A team Fiorentina, the Italian club announced. Reported to be worth in the region of 170mn euros ($190mn), the deal brings an end to the 17-year ownership of the Della Valle family.The 69-year-old Commisso is chairman of cable television provider Mediacom group, and owns New York Cosmos soccer club. He had in recent years tried to buy AC Milan.  Born in Calabria in southern Italy he moved to the United States in 1962 with his mother and two sisters, to join his father and brother who had moved there six years earlier. The Della Valle family, which includes entrepreneur Diego Della Valle, who controls luxury group Tod’s, purchased the Tuscany-based club in 2002 after the former two-time Serie A winners went bankrupt and were relegated. Fiorentina — Italian champions in 1956 and 1969 — finished 16th last season, avoiding relegation on the final day of the season. Their last trophy was a sixth Coppa Italia in 2001. Fiorentina are the latest Italian club to move into foreign ownership. Roma are already owned by US businessman James Pallotta and AC Milan are controlled by American hedge fund Elliott. Canadian businessman Joey Saputo is the majority shareholder of Bologna while Inter Milan are in the hands of Chinese firm Suning Group.