CECAFA plans joint protest over refs
Mar 29, 2007
MEMBERS of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations CECAFA plan to protest against biased refereeing in their games.
By Norman Katende
MEMBERS of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations CECAFA plan to protest against biased refereeing in their games.
The decision to petition the continental and world soccer governing bodies follows last Saturday’s controversial Nations Cup 1-0 victory for Nigeria over Uganda. Senegalese referee Diatta Badara ruled out what looked like a genuine Ugandan equaliser.
Uganda last year also protested to African soccer governing body CAF, accusing another referee from Senegal of frustrating her bid to win the drawn game against Niger.
“Most of the CECAFA member states are crying foul and we can not sit back. We are going to handle it as a region. It will carry more weight,†Uganda’s soccer chief Lawrence Mulindwa told the press yesterday.
Mulindwa confirmed that FUFA has written to CAF and its world counterpart FIFA seeking redress and calling for fair-play.
“We sent them a letter and video recording. We know the results might not change but we are demanding for fair play,†said Mulindwa.
Mulindwa added that the 11 member countries of CECAFA will appeal to both CAF and FIFA. He accused biased referees appointed by CAF of hindering the development of the game in the region.
“What happened in Nigeria will give us more courage, more wisdom and a fighting spirit,†he promised. “We are injured but we have to recover. The period for mourning is over, it is time to plan for the next game.â€
FUFA has also written to the Ethiopia FA demanding an explanation to why Assani Bajope failed to return for national duty.
- FIFA official, Sophoeclius Sophocles is in the country to inspect Nakivubo before the laying of a sh1.3b artificial turf starts.
FIFA regional development officer Ashford Mamelodi also arrives today to inspect the start of the Second FIFA Goal project in Njeru.
MEMBERS of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations CECAFA plan to protest against biased refereeing in their games.
The decision to petition the continental and world soccer governing bodies follows last Saturday’s controversial Nations Cup 1-0 victory for Nigeria over Uganda. Senegalese referee Diatta Badara ruled out what looked like a genuine Ugandan equaliser.
Uganda last year also protested to African soccer governing body CAF, accusing another referee from Senegal of frustrating her bid to win the drawn game against Niger.
“Most of the CECAFA member states are crying foul and we can not sit back. We are going to handle it as a region. It will carry more weight,†Uganda’s soccer chief Lawrence Mulindwa told the press yesterday.
Mulindwa confirmed that FUFA has written to CAF and its world counterpart FIFA seeking redress and calling for fair-play.
“We sent them a letter and video recording. We know the results might not change but we are demanding for fair play,†said Mulindwa.
Mulindwa added that the 11 member countries of CECAFA will appeal to both CAF and FIFA. He accused biased referees appointed by CAF of hindering the development of the game in the region.
“What happened in Nigeria will give us more courage, more wisdom and a fighting spirit,†he promised. “We are injured but we have to recover. The period for mourning is over, it is time to plan for the next game.â€
FUFA has also written to the Ethiopia FA demanding an explanation to why Assani Bajope failed to return for national duty.
FIFA regional development officer Ashford Mamelodi also arrives today to inspect the start of the Second FIFA Goal project in Njeru.