Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the cancellation of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match pitting Ghana and Sierra Leone.
The announcement comes after Sierra Leone government failed to re-instate Football Association president Isha Johansen and General Secretary Christopher Camara who were ejected from office by anti-corruption commision. The country was supposed to reinstate the two by Tuesday 5 PM which was FIFA’s deadline.
A statement released by CAF on Tuesday night revealed that the clash which was set for Thursday in Ghana and the return leg set for Sunday will not go on as planned.
“AFCON Qualifier matches Ghana vs Sierra Leone & Sierra Leone vs Ghana on the 11th and 14th of October respectively have been canceled as SLFA did not meet the conditions stipulated in the letter sent by CAF on FIFA’s decision to suspend the federation.” reads a statement on CAF Twitter.
Breaking news: AFCON Qualifier matches Ghana vs Sierra Leone & Sierra Leone vs Ghana on the 11th and 14th of October respectively have been cancelled as SLFA did not meet the conditions stipulated in the letter sent by CAF on FIFA’s decision to suspend the federation.#AFCONQ2019
— CAF (@CAF_Online) October 9, 2018
The Sierra Federation had appealed for a lift of the ban to enable them to play Ghana but their appeal was rejected after they failed to hit the requirements given by FIFA.
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission boss, Francis Ben Kaifala has insisted that they won’t be compelled to reinstate the two since corruption is a menace in the country.
“Corruption is the biggest emergency Sierra Leone faces right now, and these actions from FIFA are nothing less than a violation of our national sovereignty. They may have their rules but we also have our own and will not be bullied around. We will play the game in our hearts even if they bar us from playing with them.Our position remains the same. There is no further comment,” Kaifala told the press.
Ghana can now break camp or opt for a friendly match after the cancellation.