Sudan lodge CAF complaint over Mozambique defender Bruno Wilson’s eligibility

The Sudan Football Association has submitted a formal complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the eligibility of Mozambique defender Bruno Ricardo Valdez Wilson, just minutes before the sides met in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Sudan’s objection concerns whether the 29-year-old was legally permitted to represent Mozambique after previously playing for Portugal’s youth national teams.

The complaint was sent to CAF’s competitions committee and relates to Wilson, who wears number 15 for Mozambique. Sudan say no official documents or decisions have been produced to demonstrate that he completed the required process to change his sporting nationality, or football association, under FIFA regulations.

The Sudanese association therefore argues that Wilson’s appearance for Mozambique may constitute a breach of the relevant rules.

Wilson currently plays for Armenian club Ararat. He has previously had spells with Sporting Braga, Tondela and Vizela in Portugal, as well as San Jose Earthquakes in the United States.

He represented Portugal at youth level between 2011 and 2016, playing for the country’s junior and youth teams. Wilson later became eligible for Mozambique through his grandparents.

Wilson started Mozambique’s opening qualifying match and played the full 90 minutes in a draw against Senegal.

He was also named in the starting line-up for Mozambique’s game against Sudan. With the match having reached the 70th minute, the hosts were leading 4-0.