Kobs out of Games qualifiers
Dec 17, 2002
THE Zone V All Africa Games qualifiers yesterday hit another snag when Uganda pulled out of the tournament that Egypt is set to host
By Norman Katende
THE Zone V All Africa Games qualifiers yesterday hit another snag when Uganda pulled out of the tournament that Egypt is set to host. They joined Ethiopia and Eritrea in the boycott.
FUFA president Denis Obua blamed the confusion on Egypt and CAF. The pulling out followed the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s refusal to grant appeals by by Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Kenya Football Federation (KFF) that the tournament either be hosted in East Africa or be played on a home and away basis.
They said that the decision, which was taken by CAF’s tournament committee, could not be reversed.
“It is hypocrisy. They say that they are developing football but is this how it is supposed to be developed,†Obua said of the development.
“We are pulling out in protest. These (Arab) countries are known for playing all types of tricks in order to qualify for international tournaments. Let Egypt qualify alone. This is not the end of football.â€
Uganda’s pull out leaves only Kenya and Egypt in the event. Kenya was also however, insisting on playing on a home and away basis.
Uganda, like all the other countries had refused Cairo hosting the event until Egypt promised to meet travel costs but not in writing. But two days to the meet and Egypt said they were not able.
THE Zone V All Africa Games qualifiers yesterday hit another snag when Uganda pulled out of the tournament that Egypt is set to host. They joined Ethiopia and Eritrea in the boycott.
FUFA president Denis Obua blamed the confusion on Egypt and CAF. The pulling out followed the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s refusal to grant appeals by by Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Kenya Football Federation (KFF) that the tournament either be hosted in East Africa or be played on a home and away basis.
They said that the decision, which was taken by CAF’s tournament committee, could not be reversed.
“It is hypocrisy. They say that they are developing football but is this how it is supposed to be developed,†Obua said of the development.
“We are pulling out in protest. These (Arab) countries are known for playing all types of tricks in order to qualify for international tournaments. Let Egypt qualify alone. This is not the end of football.â€
Uganda’s pull out leaves only Kenya and Egypt in the event. Kenya was also however, insisting on playing on a home and away basis.
Uganda, like all the other countries had refused Cairo hosting the event until Egypt promised to meet travel costs but not in writing. But two days to the meet and Egypt said they were not able.