April 13 – Morocco and Tunisia say they have settled their differences with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their respective spats over the African Cup of Nations.
Both countries were recently placed in the draw for the 2017 tournament but only after having initially fallen out with their confederation.
Morocco, thrown out of the next two AFCON editions by CAF after refusing to host this year’s event because of fears over the spread of Ebola, won their appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“We are preparing for a future full of good things for both Africa and Morocco,” said Moroccan FA chief Fouzi Lekjaa. “We are back after a little break of a few months, but it has not had a big impact.
Tunisia said its row with CAF was also over.
Like Morocco, Tunisia faced the threat of expulsion but staved that off by apologising to CAF for accusing the governing body of bias. Seeking their first Nations Cup triumph since 2004, the Tunisians were leading 1-0 in the 90th minute of their quarter-final against stand-in hosts Equatorial Guinea when they conceded a highly contentious penalty.
The spot-kick was converted and Equatorial Guinea went on to win 2-1 in extra-time, leaving Tunisian players and officials fuming.
“I am convinced that the page has been turned and that there will no longer by any problems,” FTF vice-president Maher Snoussi told the BBC.
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