CAN 2021: Sierra Leone-Benin postponement to June 14 confirmed by CAS
Beninese Steve Mounié, during CAN 2019. AFP - OZAN KOSE
Text by: David Kalfa Follow
3 min
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed the postponement of the Sierra Leone-Benin match, initially scheduled for March 30, 2021 in qualifying for the African Cup of Nations, to June 14.
The Beninese had refused to play this meeting following the questionable positive Covid results of five of their players.
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There will be a final qualifying match for the next African Cup of Nations (“CAN 2021”).
It will take place on June 14, 2021 between Sierra Leone and Benin, no offense to the two federations.
On June 10, 2021, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the decision of the African Football Confederation (CAF) to play this final group L match, initially scheduled for March 30, 2021 in Freetown.
A meeting that the Beninese had refused to play following the dubious positive tests for Covid of five of their best players: goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé, defenders Cédric Hountondji and Khaled Adénon, striker Steve Mounié and midfielder Jodel Dossou.
A choice denounced by the Sierra Leonean federation (SLFA) which asked CAS the defeat of the Benin team by forfeit.
Missed.
For their part, the Squirrels demanded that the SLFA be declared forfeited for this match and excluded from the CAN 2021. Also missed.
The Lausanne-based body admitted, however, that the Sierra Leonean authorities had not respected CAF's health protocol.
“
When they left Benin, the Beninese players underwent Covid-19 tests, which were all negative
, recalls the CAS.
Upon arriving at Freetown / Sierra Leone airport, no Covid-19 test was organized, contrary to what was provided for by the CAF health protocol.
It was not until they arrived at their hotel that the Beninese players were tested.
Five players tested positive and learned the results when they arrived at the stadium, less than 2 hours before the start of the match
”.
Note that when they returned to clubs in Europe, the Beninese players had all tested negative.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has also referred possible sanctions against Sierra Leone to the responsibility of CAF.
"
The request to pronounce all other disciplinary sanctions as well as any financial compensation against the SLFA is referred to CAF for examination and decision by the competent bodies
", concludes a press release.
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