FIFA suspends Sudanese clubs from CAF competitions

CAIRO - 7 July 2017: The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced, via their official website on Friday, that Sudanese clubs have been suspended from participation in any CAF Interclub competitions. This decision follows the recent decision made by the Bureau of the Federal International Football Association (FIFA) Council to suspend the Sudanese Football Association (SFA).

Stemming from an ongoing dispute between two rival groups both claiming to run the affairs of the SFA, although FIFA only recognizes the one run by Mutasim Gaafar Sir Elhatim, the Bureau of the FIFA Council decided to suspend SFA starting on July 6.

The decision was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2017 and signed by FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura.

Referencing Article 13 of the FIFA statues, FIFA declared, "The Sudan Football Association representative and club teams are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.”

In line with the decision, Sudanese clubs Al-Hilal Omdurman and Al-Merreikh, who are meant to appear in the CAF Champions League matches on Friday, are out.

In addition, Sudanese side Hilal Obeid who have already qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals are not eligible to play.