AFCON Qualifier: Why CAF deducted 3 points from Nigeria, Egypt

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has

deducted points from Nigeria, Egypt and

Tanzania, all members of Group G, following the

withdrawal of Chad from the ongoing

qualification race for the 31st edition of the

Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon 2017.

Chad were due to travel to Tanzania for the

fourth match in the group, but instead made the

announcement of a shocking withdrawal, citing

financial constraints.

CAF swiftly applied its rules in conformity with

Article 61 of the regulations of the competition

which states: “If a team withdraws from the

qualifying phase organised in groups, all its

results shall be annulled (points, scored and

conceded goals)”.

”Consequently, the three matches of Chad of

Group G are cancelled and the results will not be

taken into consideration”, CAF said.

Egypt still lead the group with four points,, while

Nigeria have two. Tanzania have a point.

CAF further said that in accordance, with the rule

set by CAF Executive Committee on 15 January

2015, any group reduced to three teams

following the withdrawal of a team will have only

the group winner qualifying for the final

tournament.

Furthermore, the Chadian Football Federation

has been fined 20,000 US Dollars and also

barred from participating in the next edition of

the AFCON in conformity with Article 59 of the

regulations of the Competition which states “any

association declaring forfeit after the start of the

matches is liable to a fine of twenty thousand

(20,000) U.S. dollars. It will also not be allowed

to participate in the next edition of the AFCON”.

Meanwhile, Egypt will face Nigeria on Tuesday,

29 March 2016 in Alexandria.