AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Sudan complain to CAF over Mozambique player’s eligibility

The Sudan Football Association has lodged an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) challenging the eligibility of Mozambique midfielder Bruno Ricardo Valdez Wilson.

Sudan has asked CAF to investigate whether Wilson completed the necessary procedures to change his international allegiance after previously representing Portugal at youth level.

The Sudanese association submitted its complaint to the CAF competition committee, arguing that it had not seen documentation or an official decision confirming that the player had been cleared by FIFA to represent Mozambique.

In a statement, the Sudan Football Association said: “The Sudanese Football Association has filed an official complaint with the African Football Confederation (CAF) competition committee, objecting to the legality of the participation of the player Bruno Ricardo Valdez Wilson, who bears the number (15) in the Mozambican national team’s list.”

The association said its objection was based on Wilson’s previous involvement with Portugal’s youth national teams.

“The complaint was based on the fact that the aforementioned player had previously represented the previous Portuguese national teams and no documents or official decisions were presented to prove the completion of the procedures for changing his sports identity (changing the local federation) in accordance with the regulations of the International Football Federation (FIFA),” the statement added.

Sudan believes the absence of such documentation raises questions over the legality of Wilson’s participation for Mozambique and has asked CAF to consider the matter under the applicable regulations.

The association warned that the player’s participation could expose Mozambique to disciplinary consequences if it is established that the required procedures for his international switch were not completed.

CAF is expected to review the complaint and determine whether Wilson was eligible to represent Mozambique in the relevant fixture.

The case could have implications for the outcome of the match if CAF finds that the player was ineligible. However, any sporting or disciplinary sanction would depend on the findings of the competition committee and the applicable FIFA and CAF regulations.

For now, Mozambique’s result remains subject to CAF’s review of the Sudanese protest.