Petro Luanda, the most successful club in Angolan football, is facing a ban from the African Football League (AFL) after being accused of match-fixing.
The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) announced the ban on Monday, saying that Petro Luanda had been found guilty of “serious misconduct”. The FAF did not specify the allegations against Petro Luanda, but said that they related to “match-fixing and other corrupt practices”.
Petro Luanda has denied the allegations, and its president, Tomás Faria, has vowed to fight the ban. “We are not suspended, banned and won’t pay any money to anyone,” Faria said. “This club will play in the Premier League.”
The AFL has not yet commented on the ban, but it is understood that the organization is considering its options. If the AFL decides to uphold the ban, Petro Luanda would be the first club to be excluded from the competition for match-fixing.
The ban would be a major blow to Petro Luanda, which is one of the eight favorites to win the AFL this year. The club has won the Angolan Premier League 16 times.
The ban would also be a major setback for Angolan football. The country has a long history of football success.
The next few days will be critical for Petro Luanda. The club will need to convince the FAF to overturn the ban, or it will miss out on the chance to compete in the continent’s most prestigious club competition.
