FIFA Ends Cameroon Suspension

FIFA lifted Cameroon’s indefinite suspension on Monday and allowed the squad to continue their bid in next year’s World Cup tournament. 

After suspending the activities  of Cameroon’s Football Federation (Fecafoot) due to political interference, the Indomitable Lions can now travel and face Libya for the final play-off round of the qualifiers this September. Aside from that, Fecafoot can now resume to its previously interrupted activities and concerns.

The decision to lift the ban materialized after a normalization committee has been established to monitor Fecafoot’s ongoing projects. Former Minister of Education, Sports, Joseph Owona was tasked to oversee the committee’s activities.

Cameroon’s suspension came about when John Begheni Nedi sought police assistance after proclaiming himself as the newly appointed Fecafoot leader. Prior to that, the already detained, Iya Mohamed already won the election. But the election appeals committee voided such result.

In accordance with FIFA’s regulation, the presence of the police force extending a helping hand is considered as interference from outside parties. The decision was released several minutes after FIFA announced that Cameroon’s 2-0 defeat against Togo was turned into a 3-0 win. Togo was said to field an ineligible player on the pitch.

Fortunately, for Cameroon, the next FIFA announcement it received brought good news to the squad.

The Indomitable Lions is one of the top African World Cup contenders. The squad has appeared in the said tournament for six times. In 1990, it was the first African team to enter the quarter-finals. Apart from its World Cup appearance, it is also a dominant force in the African Cup of Nations, where it won four (4) trophies. 

Photo Credit: Nexdim Empire

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Ineligible Player Leads To Equatorial Guinea’s 2014 World Cup Exit

Cape Verde’s 2014 World Cup bid continues as FIFA sanctioned Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player twice.

A sudden turn of events did not only put the Blue Sharks back in the pitch, but also the chance to overcome Africa’s Group B leader, Tunisia. This is after FIFA penalized Equatorial Guinea with two (2) 3-0 win in Cape Verde’s favor.

The decision came about when Emilio Nsue, failed to meet the eligibility criteria and still, played for the Nzalang Nacional during the qualifying rounds. The first incident occurred last March 24 when Equatorial Guinea clinched a 4-3 away victory. The last one took place when Cape Verde scored a 2-1 triumph at home.

The presence of players based outside Equatorial Guinea (mostly in Spain) is nothing new to Nzalang Nacional. They are considered in the squad via the virtue of naturalization or through their parents. Issues such as the one confronted by Nsue often arise since there have been questions on whether the player has actually stayed in the country for five (5) years.

Mallorca striker Emilio Nsue deemed ineligible to play for Equatorial Guinea

As for Nsue’s case, no explanations have been released why the Spanish-born player, who appeared in age-restricted competitions, is ineligible to play for Equatorial Guinea. FIFA’s recent decision includes the country in the so-called 3-0 losers list or countries, which dropped out of the World Cup due to ineligibility concerns. Joining them are Ethiopia, Gabon, Burikina Faso, Togo and Sudan.

Meanwhile, Lucio Antunes’ camp, trailing behind by only two (2) points shall head to Tunisia in September for the final play-off round.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

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