Sudan football could face a global ban from football
Sudan’s international football future is at risk over a row between the country’s football association and the government’s Sports Commission. (Photo: Sudan FA boss Kamal Shaddad is being prevented from standing in elections)
Several candidates, including current Sudan FA president Kamal Shaddad, have been told by the commission that they cannot run for forthcoming elections.
Shaddad has been told he is ineligible as he has served two terms of office.
Fifa, which is opposed to government intervention, has reportedly asked the commission to rethink its stance.
“They decided to stop me running for re-election as President,” Mr. Shaddad told the BBC. “That it against Fifa’s fundamental rules.
“Fifa says they do not approve of this situation, and the Sports Commission must reverse its decision or face suspension.”
The FA president is also angry that candidates in this month’s election must pay a fee, which was originally set at 25,000 Sudanese pounds (about $10,000) before being reduced to 10,000 pounds (about $4,000).
In the past world governing body Fifa has banned banned nations for international football due to political interference.
Nigeria faced a similar threat when President Goodluck Jonathan said he would withdraw the team from international football for two years, before backing down.
And Kenya and Guinea have been suspended in the past for government interference in football.
Fifa has a range of possible punishments if it does decide to sanction Sudanese football, not just suspension.
Sudan did not qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, but they were present in Ghana 2006 after a long absence.
Africa’s biggest country is also due to host the next CHAN – the tournament for locally-based players – early in 2011.
James Copnall, BBC Sport, Khartoum
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