Benin Suspended for Two Years from CAF Age-Group Competitions Over Ineligible Players
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down a significant blow to Beninese football, suspending the country for two years from all age-group competitions, including the U17, U20, and U23 categories. The decision comes after Benin fielded four overage players during the qualifiers for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations held in Niger in 2015.
The four players in question — Ibilola Aron (born 10 December 1997), Ogoubiyi Oluwa (born 26 October 1997), Oreko Evode (born 24 December 1997), and Amoussou Tony (born 19 September 1997) — were deemed ineligible as they exceeded the age limit for the U17 category at the time of the competition. Their participation in the match against Mali raised immediate concerns.
Following the match, Mali lodged a formal complaint with CAF, citing the use of ineligible players by Benin. After reviewing the case, CAF disqualified Benin from the competition. This decision effectively ended Benin’s campaign, despite the team being scheduled to face Tunisia in the final qualifying round.
In an unusual move, the Beninese Football Federation (FBF) chose not to contest the ruling. In a letter addressed to CAF’s Secretary General, the FBF expressed regret but accepted the verdict without appeal.
“It is with great regret that I receive and read the decision disqualifying Benin from the U-17 Niger 2015 competition; thereby suspending Benin from future participation in age-group competitions,” the letter read. The FBF clarified that the administrative errors leading to the breach predated the current federation’s administration, which took office on 2 October 2013.
The letter went on to commend CAF President Issa Hayatou for his continued efforts towards structural reforms in African football and expressed hope for greater unity within the continent’s football community.
Mali, benefiting from the disqualification, have advanced to the next stage of the qualifiers and are set to face Tunisia’s U17 side, known as the Aiglons de Carthage.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges African football faces with age verification in youth competitions — a persistent issue that CAF has been attempting to address through various reforms and more rigorous checks. The sanction against Benin sends a clear message about the strict enforcement of age rules and the consequences of administrative lapses.
Benin’s suspension is a significant setback for the country’s football development, particularly for its youth teams that serve as a pipeline for future national team players. With a two-year ban on all age-group competitions, the federation will have to work hard to rebuild trust and ensure compliance with CAF regulations going forward.
As African football continues to evolve, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of governance and adherence to rules in fostering a fair and competitive environment for young talent across the continent.
