mali-football

 

The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), the world’s football governing body, this Friday banned Mali and its football clubs from participating in international competitions after its government interfered with their national football association.

 The penalty was invoked after Mali’s Sports Minister, Housseini Amion Guindo replaced the executive body of the Malian Football Association (FEMAFOOT) with a new provisional leadership.

The statement announcing the ban however stated that the embargo will be lifted once the ministerial decisions concerning the appointments are rescinded.

With the ban, FEMAFOOT has lost its FIFA membership rights while its national team and clubs have been restricted from participation in any competition of international status.