Sudan have appealed against FIFA’s decision to strip it off a 2014 World Cup qualification win for fielding an unqualified player.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports confirmed receiving an official protest to that effect from the Sudan FA on Wednesday.
FIFA had earlier found the Nile Crocodiles guilty of using Saif Ali who was supposed to serve a suspension over accumulated yellow cards in their 2-0 win over Zambia in the opening 2014 World Cup qualification match played on June 2.
This decision saw Sudan relinquish its lead of preliminary Group D after they were declared losers of that game and were docked three points and three goals – points which were credited to the African champions.
The FIFA verdict had a negative bearing on Ghana’s chances of making a third straight World Cup appearance as it puts Zambia in pole position to clinch the sole progressive ticket in the group after two rounds of games.
But the Sudan FA after critical examination of available evidence have launched a staunch appeal to win back their lost points at CAS.
This news will be widely welcomed by Ghanaians as a successful appeal and restoration of points will put the Black Stars ahead of Zambia though behind Sudan in the group.
Ghana are currently three points behind the Chipolopolo haven won one and lost the other in the two games played.
CAS is expected to reach a decision on the appeal by February – one clear month before the 2014 World Cup qualifiers resume.
Source: Ghanasoccernet.com
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