Ghana demand replay after match officials in Uganda qualifier rule out ‘perfect’ goal
October 9 – Ghana have sent an official protest to FIFA over a disallowed goal in their World Cup qualifier against Uganda in Kampala.
Africa
Equatorial Guinea women banned from 2019 World Cup for fielding 10 Brazilians
October 6 – In a damaging blow to both the country itself and its regional African confederation, Equatorial Guinea have been kicked out of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France for fielding no fewer 10 ineligible Brazilian-born players during qualifying for the 2016 Olympics.
FIFA clips Super Eagles’ wings with fine after fans invade pitch
October 3 – FIFA have slapped a CHF30,000 ($30,800) fine on Nigeria following a pitch invasion after the Super Eagles’ 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Cameroon last month and have warned the Nigerians against any repetition.
Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and Morocco battle for 2018 CHAN hosting
October 2 – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and favourites Morocco have all stepped in to bid to stage the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following the ruling to strip Kenya of hosting rights.
FIFA taskforce lays out roadmap to peace for Sierra Leone’s warring parties
October 2 – A new time frame for ending the bitter in-fighting that has plunged Sierra Leone football into turmoil has been agreed following a controversial FIFA task force visit to the capital Freetown.
Kenyan solace: No CHAN but CECAFA awards 12-team Challenge Cup hosting rights
October 2 – Kenya has received some consolation for losing the hosting of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) by being awarded the sub-regional CECAFA 2017 Senior Challenge Cup.
Morocco ready to step in to host 2018 CHAN
September 27 – Morocco have reportedly moved into pole position to take over from Kenya as hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the regional tournament for domestically based players.
Sierra Leone FA react to Johansen corruption indictment by banning 19 of her opposition
September 25 – The chaos of Sierra Leone took another political twist at the end of last week when the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) banned 19 officials from football activity in what was a response to the previous day’s indictment of Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen (pictured) on six corruption charges by the country’s anti-corruption commission.
Kenya lose battle to hold on to CHAN 2018 hosting rights
By Andrew Warshaw
September 25 – After weeks of deliberation and speculation, Kenya has been stripped of the right to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following last weekend’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee meeting in Accra led by CAF leader Ahmad Ahmad.
Liberian head coach apologises for assaulting radio journalist on-air
By Paul Nicholson
September 22 – Liberian head coach James Debbah (pictured right with Must Bility) has apologised to journalist and broadcaster Danesius Marteh on the Liberian FA’s (LFA) Facebook site after Debbah assaulted Marteh during a radio show.
Kenyan FA to challenge court ruling that Premier League must revert to 16 teams
By Mark Baber
September 22 – The High Court’s ruling that the Kenyan Premier League should revert to a 16-club competition with immediate effect and nullification of the recent adoption of CAF/FIFA club licensing requirements will be challenged by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the country’s Appeal Court.
Sierra Leone anti-corruption police charge FIFA’s Johansen with misuse of public cash
September 22 – Just days after announcing she will stand for re-election, Sierra Leone’s embattled FA president Isha Johansen has been charged with abuse of office and misuse of public funds by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Eto’o steps in as Ahmad’s axe gets closer to Cameroon’s 2019 AFCON hosting rights
September 21 – Cameroon’s most revered player, former skipper Samuel Eto’o has made a last-ditch attempt to convince the leaders of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that his country is capable of organising the 2019 African Nations Cup.
Kenya desperately cling on to 2018 CHAN hosting with CAF decision looming
September 20 – Kenya looks likely to be stripped of its hosting rights to CHAN 2018 at an African Football Confederation (CAF) executive meeting on Saturday following a final inspection of the proposed venues last weekend.
Burkina Faso appeal to CAS over FIFA’s ‘abuse of power’ in SA vs Senegal replay order
By Andrew Warshaw
September 19 – The saga over South Africa’s soon-to-be-replayed World Cup qualifier against Senegal rumbles on with group rivals Burkina Faso appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).