By Mark Baber
July 3 – Sudan has managed to escape a FIFA ban, which had been due to go into force on Friday, after a last-minute deal was reached between feuding factions competing for control of the Sudan Football Association.
The Sudanese FA (SFA) is torn by rival factions headed by FIFA-recognised SFA president Dr Mutasim Gaafar and Sudan Ministry of Justice recognised General Abdel Rahman Sir Elkatim.
Abdel Rahman won SFA elections in April but these were not recognised by FIFA who had ordered a six month suspension to holding elections in the country.
A compromise agreement reached late Thursday night allowed the FIFA-recognised sitting executive committee to return to their offices at the SFA premises with football affairs to be jointly run by both groups until the SFA law is reformed and a new election is held in late October.
Sudan’s Youth and Sports Minister, Dr. Abdelkareem Musa announced that: “Sudan has avoided the FIFA freeze by an agreement between the FIFA- recognised administration, led Dr.Mu’tasim Ja’afar, and the reform and renaissance group, led by General Sirelkhatim
“The meeting was cordial and had reached agreement on common points which will be drafted and announced Friday morning,” he said.
The SFA chair Mu’tasim Ja’afar immediately informed FIFA about the deal, allowing Sudanese clubs and the national team to continue to compete in international football.
Al Hilal Obeid were early beneficiaries of the deal as they reached the African Confederation Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Recreativo Libolo of Angola on Saturday.
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