South Africa withdraw from the 2020 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations

The South African Football Association (SAFA) on Wednesday announced its decision to withdraw the national futsal team from the 2020 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco.

SAFA confirmed that it reached its decision due to the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations being hosted in the city of Laayoune in the disputed Western Sahara region.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has decided to withdraw from the futsal tournament after Morocco insisted on hosting the tournament in Laayoune which is in disputed Western Sahara,” SAFA acting CEO, Gay Mokoena said.

“We are aware of the possible fine from CAF and other repercussions following our decision to withdraw from the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations but this was a difficult decision which we had to make.”

Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said that the organisation supports SAFA’s decision to withdraw from the tournament.

“South Africa has no issue in playing in Morocco but in line with the South African government and AU resolutions, will not play in Western Sahara,” SAFA President Danny Jordaan said.

The 6th edition of the tournament acts as the CAF qualifiers for the FIFA Futsal World Cup to be hosted from September 12-October 4 in Lithuania.

The South African Footbal Association (SAFA) has decided to withdraw from the FUTSAL tournament after Morocco insisted on hosting the tournament in Laayoune which is in disputed Western Sahara

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020

We are aware of the possible fine from CAF and other repercussions following our decision to withdraw from the FUTSAL tournament but this was a difficult decision which we had to make – SAFA acting CEO, Gay Mokoena

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020

President of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks says they support the decision by SAFA to withdraw from the tournament

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020

South Africa has no issue in playing in Morocco but in line with SA government and AU resolutions, will not play in Western Sahara – SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020

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