CAF reject Togo plea to play
CAF reject Togo plea to play in African Cup of Nations
Monday, 11, Jan 2010 03:41
By Alistair Potter.
The organisers of the African Cup of Nations have rejected an appeal by the Togo national football team to return to the tournament, according to reports.
A statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who initially wanted the team to remain in Angola for the tournament despite Friday's fatal attack on the team bus, ruled out a contingency plan to allow Togo to play.
Three people died in the shocking gun attack in Cabinda, and although the team initially decided to pull out and return home at the request of their government the latest development saw a vote taken by the players in favour of returning later this week.
The plan was given a vote of support by the Togolese government, who have announced the start of a three-day national mourning period, but has since been rejected by CAF.
No specific reasons have been given, although it is thought to be for the logistical reasons of catching up missed fixtures - which would include tonight's subsequently cancelled opening group match against Ghana.