Points stripped over illegal strip

Cameroon will rue the day that they disobeyed a FIFA directive and played in their controversial one piece suit after the first stage of the African Nations Cup.

FIFA allowed them to use the strip during the first stage but stated that they wouldn't accept the use of it in any further part of the tornament other than that first stage. Cameroon however chose to play with the kit in the quarter-finals and as a result have suffered a major blow to their world cup qualification hopes.

FIFA issued a USD$154,300 (AUD $207,867, BPD £86,000) fine as well as a penalty of six points in their World Cup qualification group. As a result Cameroon will now be forced to win their group by two or more clear wins if dreams of qualifying for 2006 are to be entertained.

Egypt, Ivory Coast, Libya, Sudan and Benin are the nations they must overcome and while it's definatly possible for the former African Champions, some say it's now not possible for Cameroon.

"... with a penalty of six points, Cameroon cannot qualify for the 2006 World Cup," Jean-Paul Akono, the former coach of the Cameroon's youth team.

"The authorities and Fecafoot (Cameroon football federation) must appeal, otherwise we can't qualify for the World Cup. This really is a very heavy penalty for Cameroon," said Theophile Abega, member of the African Football Confederation commission. (www.theworldgame.com.au)

18 April, 2004

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