Botswana wants CAF to rescind Togo suspension :: Mmegi Online

The government has condemned the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to suspend Togo for two years for withdrawing from the Africa Cup of Nations following a gun attack on the team bus on the eve of the tournament.

In a media statement, the public relations officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Boniface Mabeo said the Botswana government received the suspension with shock and regret. Togo were suspended by CAF for four years which means they will miss the next two editions of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mabeo described the suspension as insensitive and condemned the action. He said the attack, which claimed the lives of three people had caused immeasurable loss and CAF was supposed to show compassion. "The Government of Togo and the people of Togo have suffered an immeasurable loss which calls for a high degree of compassion and understanding from the African Football fraternity," Mabeo said. CAF cited government interference as the reason for suspending Togo from its competitions. But the Botswana government does not believe this was a valid reason.

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