Equatorial Guinea Disqualified from 2015 CAN Qualifiers, Mauritania Advances
In a dramatic turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially disqualified Equatorial Guinea from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers, following a successful complaint lodged by Mauritania.
The controversy centered around the eligibility of Thierry Fidieu Tazemeta, who was fielded during Equatorial Guinea’s 1-0 victory over Mauritania in June. Born in Mbouda, Cameroon, and holding a Cameroonian passport, Tazemeta had not completed the mandatory FIFA association change process, rendering him ineligible under FIFA and CAF regulations.
CAF stated:
“The Organizing Committee for the African Cup of Nations has decided that the player changed associations without proof from FEGUIFUT that he had complied with FIFA regulations. His eligibility is not in accordance with the rules. CAF has never received written confirmation from FIFA regarding authorization for this change of association.”
As a result, Mauritania has been reinstated and will face Uganda in the final round of the CAN 2015 qualifiers. The first leg is scheduled for July 19.
This decision comes as a major blow to Equatorial Guinea’s campaign, but a historic opportunity for Mauritania, who are seeking to qualify for the CAN group stage for the first time in decades.
