FIFA rejected Mohamed bin Hammam's appeal Thursday against a life ban from soccer for allegedly offering bribes during his campaign to unseat Sepp Blatter as president of the sport's governing body.

The Qatari official immediately announced he would challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Fifa's statement, released on Thursday, read: "The appeal made by Mohammed Bin Hammam has been rejected and the decision of the Fifa ethics committee confirmed.

"The sanction of being banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) at national and international level for life has therefore been maintained."

Mohammed bin Hammam was banned for life for allegedly trying to buy votes in the June presidential election where he was a candidate.