Fernando, a former member of the FIFA Executive Committee, had appealed against an original eight year ban imposed on him in April.

At the same time, chief investigator in Fernando's original case, Michael J Garcia, appealed against the leniency of the punishment received by the Sri Lankan.

The FIFA Appeal Committee reached a decision in favour of Garcia.

"The appeal lodged by Mr Garcia has been upheld by the Appeal Committee," their statement read.

"The lifetime ban has been imposed on Mr Fernando for violations of art. 13 (General rules of conduct), art. 19 (Conflicts of interest), art. 20 (Offering and accepting gifts and other benefits), art. 21 (Bribery and corruption), and art. 42 (General obligation to collaborate) of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2012 edition."

FIFA's decision finally explained the reason for Fernando's original ban, however gave no further information on the circumstances of his misconduct.

His suspension was thought to be related to investigations into former chief of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohamed Bin Hammam.

The Qatari, whom Fernando was a close associate, was expelled for life by FIFA after a bribery scandal connected to his failed bid to oust FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Bin Hammam was accused of attempting to bribe votes from Caribbean Nations ahead of the 2011 FIFA Presidential election.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter is greeted by Mohamed Bin Hammam on an official visit to Qatar