Guinean federation explores legal options following CAF decision on Tanzania AFCON qualifier

Tanzania defeated Guinea 1-0 in Dar es Salaam to secure their place at the finals next year. Photo Credit: Tanzania Football Federation

The Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) is yet to accept their fate as they prepare to fight the decision taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee to confirm Tanzania’s participation in the 2025 AFCON.

The CAF disciplinary committee rejected an inquiry by FEGUIFOOT to replace Tanzania after the East African nation fielded a player, Ibrahim Ame, who was substituted on wearing a number that did not match his number on the team sheet submitted before the match. Guinea filed a compliant to CAF requesting that Tanzania be disqualified for the infraction.

FEGUIFOOT did not take the decision lightly as they sought further explanation as to why their request was rejected. In a letter written to CAF dated December 26, the Guinean federation said: "We request the formal suspension of the deadlines for submitting and justifying our appeal. We believe that it is necessary to have full understanding on the decision in order to guarantee and exercise our right of appeal under fair and informed conditions."

FGF statement after CAF rejected the appeal

The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) also officially released a statement insisting that they will be playing in the AFCON finals next year. The statement seen by Pan-Africa Football reads: "Guinea had raised a formal complaint that the jersey number worn by Ame was not among the those listed during pre-match for the matchday. According to the CAF Disciplinary committee, the outcome of the game number 143 stays the same meaning Tanzania will play at the 2025 AFCON."

The TFF response to CAF's decision

FEGUIFOOT is expected to appeal the decision to the CAF Appeal Committee. Sources close to the federation also affirmed there is a possibility to refer the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If Guinea’s appeal at the CAF Appeal Committee could not render a different outcome, the case will definitely be taken to CAS.

Tanzania qualified for AFCON after beating Guinea 1-0 in their Group H finale to qualify with 10 points along with group winners DR Congo. Guinea only amassed nine points to finish in third place, missing out on qualification.