Sudan FA protest Mozambique player Bruno Wilson’s eligibility over FIFA nationality rules

The Sudan Football Association (SFA) has lodged an official protest with the CAF Competitions Committee over the eligibility of Mozambique international Bruno Ricardo Valdez Wilson.

The SFA is challenging the legality of Wilson’s participation for Mozambique in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Sudan raising questions over the player’s international status.

Wilson, who wears the number 15 shirt for Mozambique, previously represented Portugal at youth international level. According to the Sudanese federation, there are concerns over whether the required process for changing his international sporting nationality was completed in accordance with FIFA regulations.

The SFA says it has been unable to find documents or an official decision confirming that Wilson successfully completed the change of association that would allow him to represent Mozambique at senior level.

The complaint has been formally submitted to the CAF Competitions Committee for consideration as Mozambique and Sudan face each other in the second round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The matter could now be referred to the relevant CAF and FIFA regulations governing player eligibility and changes of sporting nationality.

Any ruling would depend on the documents available to the governing bodies and whether Wilson fulfilled all the applicable requirements before representing Mozambique.

The protest adds an off-field dimension to an important qualifying tie, with both nations competing for points in their bid to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF is expected to examine the complaint and supporting documents before determining whether any disciplinary or sporting action is warranted.

Until a decision is reached, Wilson’s participation for Mozambique remains subject to the outcome of the eligibility review.