Chad hit with global FIFA ban due to government interference

The Chadian Football Association has been handed a global ban by FIFA due to government interference in the running of the country’s football federation. Football’s governing body reached the decision on Monday after Chad’s minister of youth and sports disbanded the nation’s football federation in March a move that also saw the country disqualified from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last month.

“…Based on the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 5 April 2021, the Chadian Football Association (FTFA) has been suspended in accordance with article 16 of the FIFA Statutes until further notice,” the governing body said in an official statement on Wednesday.

“Consequently, as of 5 April 2021, the FTFA loses all its membership rights, as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, with immediate effect and until further notice. FTFA representative and club teams are therefore no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.

“This also means that neither the FTFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from FIFA. Moreover, we remind you and your affiliates not to enter into any sporting contact with the FTFA and/or its teams while the FTFA is suspended.

“Finally, the Bureau of the FIFA Council or the FIFA Council may lift this suspension at any time before the next FIFA Congress takes place and we will inform you accordingly.”