Ebola Scare: Seychelles Pull Out of 2015 African Nations Cup
African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Sports News Thursday, July 31st, 2014
Seychelles have cancelled Saturday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone because of fears over the Ebola virus.
Sierra Leone were prevented earlier on Thursday from boarding a plane at Kenya’s Nairobi Airport that would have taken them to Seychelles for the second-leg tie.
The decision to stop the team travelling was taken by Seychelles immigration authorities, who are concerned about the spread of the deadly virus.
Seychelles Football Association president Elvis Chetty said the decision is for Seychelles FA to forfeit the match.
“I would like to state that the Seychelles FA lays no blame at the feet of the Sierra Leone FA for this.
“We have taken the decision because of the advice sent to us by the Seychelles Ministry of Health.
“We also received a letter from the Ministry of Immigration saying it would not allow the Sierra Leone team to enter our jurisdiction.
“They are asking us to postpone the game for an indefinite period, so we feel it is right to forfeit now rather than drag it out.”
Sierra Leone, who had led the tie 2-0 after last week’s first leg, are now set to be awarded a place in the next stage of the qualifiers.
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