Government regrets Togo Suspension

source: Republic of Botswana (6/2/10) TAUTONA TIMES no 1 of 2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery"


C2) 31/1/10: GOVERNMENT REGRETS TOGO SUSPENSION

The Government of Botswana has received with shock and regret news of the suspension of TOGO from the next Two Africa Cup games.

The Government of Botswana strongly condemns the insensitivity of the CAF decision in suspending Togo from the Africa Cup games. The Togolese football team suffered a horrific attack in Cabinda, whilst en-route to the 2010 Africa Games in Angola, where some members of the Team lost their lives, others were injured and the whole team suffered a major psychological shock which can neither be erased nor ignored. The Government of Togo and the people of Togo have suffered an immeasurable loss which calls for a high degree of compassion and understanding from the African Football fraternity.

The CAF rules barring interference by Governments in the running of football cannot in this case apply, because Governments ultimately have the responsibility for the welfare and security of their citizens. Football can never take precedence over the feelings of people after such a tragic event.

The CAF decision negates the spirit of Football of bringing people together and the African spirit of unity and compassion.

We call upon CAF to reverse its unreasonable decision to suspend Togo and we appeal to all CAF affiliates to apply pressure on the CAF governing body to revoke its decision.