CAF suspend Togo for next two editions

Togo have been banned from the next two African Nations Cups following their withdrawal from this year's competition after two members of their delegation were killed in an ambush, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said yesterday.

"The players publicly expressed their willingness to return to the Nations Cup to compete. But the Togo government decided to call back their national team," the CAF said in a statement.

"The decision by political authorities contravenes CAF and African Nations Cup regulations. The executive committee therefore has banned Togo from the next two African Nations Cups and fined the Togo FA 50,000 US dollars."

A Togolese assistant coach and a press officer died following an ambush on their bus in the northern Angolan province of Cabinda on Jan. 8, prompting the government to recall the team for three days of mourning.

CAF chief press officer Suleiman Habuba said the decision was based on article 78 of CAF regulations which say: "A forfeit notified less than 20 days before the start or during the final competition shall entail, in addition of the forfeit of the entry fee, a maximum fine stipulated by the regulations as well as the suspension of the concerned national association for the following two editions of the African Cup of Nations."

In Lome, Togolese sports minister Christophe Tchao told Reuters Togo would appeal against the ban.

"We shall launch an appeal ... we will use all legal means to enforce our rights against their decision," Tchao said.