Guinea launched a legal battle against Tanzania in order to run for the qualifying ticket for the next edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2024).
Beaten on ground in front les « Kilimanjaro Stars », the “Syli National” filed an appeal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to challenge the ineligibility of the Tanzanian player Muhammad Ibrahim Ameguilty of having worn the number (26) which does not correspond to the number written on the match sheet (24).
In order to have a clearer idea of the verdict expected from the governing body of African football, « Foot Africa » requested the Tunisian lawyer Mohamed Touatispecialized in Sports Law, who is kind enough to comment on this matter.
The lawyer’s verdict!
I do not think that this error relating to the jersey number can be considered as a serious administrative fault, especially since the International Football Federation (FIFA) gives recommendations to the various Continental Federations to take into consideration the degree of influence on the outcome of the match.
In this case, the Tanzanian player in question did not score a goal or take a yellow card to speak of possible influence on the fate of this meeting.
It should also be remembered that the referee is considered solely responsible for the match sheet and takes full responsibility for any incorrect entries on it. Before the kick-off of each match, the referee is required to check the licenses, the faces of the players and the jersey numbers. He assumes responsibility for any anomaly subsequently observed.
I think that the fault lies primarily with the “referee” who made a wrong entry on the match sheet. From there, Tanzania cannot be charged with serious administrative misconduct, so the result of the match cannot be called into question.
Senegal
