Rwanda’s representative in CAF Confederation Cup, Rayon Sports could benefit from the suspension of the Malian Football (FEMAFOOT) by the world football governing body, FIFA.

FIFA has sanctioned Mali after the dissolution of FEMAFOOT by the Minister of Sports, Housseini Amion Guindo, which contravenes FIFA stand of no government meddling in football affairs.

Rayon Sports were (are) supposed to play against Malian side AS Onze Créateurs de Niaréla in the second leg of the first round tie this Saturday at Amahoro National Stadium.

The Malian outfit edged Rayon Sports 1-0 in the first leg last weekend in Bamako, courtesy of Boubacar Samassékou’s lone strike

According to FIFA rules and regulations, if a country is suspended, it means that the national team(s) and clubs are banned from international competitions, and the association and its members are barred from receiving any FIFA development assistance.

According to Rayon Sports’ secretary general, Olivier Gakwaya, the team continues their preparations normally because they have not received any official communication regarding whether the match will go ahead as planned or it would be cancelled.

FERWAFA vice president, Vedaste Kayiranga said that they have requested CAF for official updates and they are still waiting for feedback, but like Gakwaya, he also insisted that preparations for the match are continuing.

Background

In Mali, Minister Guindo initially claimed that his decision was rescinded but on Wednesday, with an administrative decision, police officers and bailiffs dismissed Femafoot employees from the premises of the proceedings and sealed the applicant.

Previously, the Minister of Sports had set up a 19-member Standardization Committee with the mission to organize, manage, animate, promote and develop football in Mali until the election of a new federal office.

In these circumstances, the Bureau of the Council decided to suspend FEMAFOOT with immediate effect from Friday, 17 March, 2017.

This also means that all the representative teams and affiliated clubs of FEMAFOOT are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions and to maintain sports relations with other FIFA member associations.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw