Kenya focus on Ethiopia despite suspension of Sierra Leone by FIFA

Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-06 21:45:49|Editor: mmm
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NAIROBI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's head coach Sebastian Migne has called on his team to focus on their next assignment against Ethiopia in the Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifiers.

This move comes after world football governing body FIFA suspended Sierra Leone leaving the AFCON Group F in confusion of what will happen next.

The Bureau of the FIFA Council suspended Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) with immediate effect due to government interference.

Whereas Kenya will be meeting Ethiopia on Wednesday in the AFCON qualifiers away in Addis Ababa and host them in Nairobi on Oct 13, Ghana is meant to play Sierra Leone in Accra before traveling to Free Town for the return leg clash.

"Our focus is on Ethiopia," said Migne on Saturday in Nairobi. "What happens is not for us to decide. We need to win our next two matches to live our dream of qualifying to the 2019 AFCON finals in Cameroon."

Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia are in Group F and only the winner of the group will join hosts Cameroon in the finals next year in June.

But with the suspension of Sierra Leone, FIFA is yet to determine the course of action to be taken.

The decision comes after a recent letter from FIFA to the Minister of Sports of Sierra Leone to express grave concern about the removal of the SLFA President and the SLFA General Secretary and to request that both be allowed to access the SLFA premises without further delay to ensure that the operations of the SLFA, including FIFA-funded projects, are not jeopardized.

"The suspension will be lifted once the SLFA and its recognized leadership have confirmed to FIFA that the SLFA administration, premises, accounts and communication channels are under their control once again," said FIFA.

"Following its suspension Sierra Leone's national team and clubs are no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted. Other member associations may not entertain sporting contact with the SLFA during its suspension."

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