Black Stars to go ahead with AFCON qualifier preparations despite Fifa's ban on Sierra Leone

Published on: 07 October 2018

Ghana's plan for their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Sierra Leone will not be altered despite a FIFA ban on Sierra Leone.

On Friday, FIFA handed an immediate suspension to Sierra Leone Football Association due to government interference.

If the decision is not rescinded next week, the qualifier between the two countries will be called off.

"We have decided not to abort the plans for the game against Sierra Leone including the training schedules," Dan K Yeboah, spokesperson of the Normalization Committee told Goal.

"Although, the letter from Fifa to Sierra Leone confirmed that they have been banned and that will automatically affect the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against them next week, we still believe anything can happen between now and the day for the game so we are preparing as planned.

"When Nigeria were handed a ban by Fifa, it was overturned within 48 hours because they met the requirements from Fifa. This means that Sierra Leone can also see their ruling overturned if their government allows the FA officials to have access to the association's headquarters.

"If Ghana halts camping plans and the decision is overturned by Monday or Tuesday, it will affect us so we're expecting a full house and the referees for the game as well," he added.

The first leg is scheduled for October 11 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi while the return fixture is billed for October 14 in Freetown.

Comments