The Taifa Stars of Tanzania could face disqualification from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco following an alleged administrative violation in a recent qualification match.
The controversy stems from a player wearing the number 26 jersey during the match, despite not being registered with that number on the official match sheet submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This error violates CAF regulations regarding player registration and jersey identification, as detailed in Articles 47, 50, and 42.12 of the CAF Rules and the CAF Equipment Regulations of 2013.
Understanding the Violation
CAF regulations are explicit about the role of jersey numbers in player identification and eligibility. According to Article 47, an administrative error in player registration can result in suspension from the next AFCON and elimination from the ongoing tournament. Similarly, Article 42.12 states that using an ineligible or unregistered player results in an automatic 3–0 penalty loss, even if no protest is filed by the opposing team.
The CAF Equipment Regulations emphasize that jersey numbers are crucial for:
Immediate visual identification during matches.
Ensuring eligibility and enforcing disciplinary actions.
Preventing fraud, such as fielding unqualified or suspended players.
These rules are designed to uphold the integrity of the competition. By failing to match the player’s jersey number with the official match sheet, Tanzania has potentially breached these fundamental principles.
Guinea’s Complaint and Potential Outcomes
Guinea, a competitor in Tanzania’s qualification group, has filed a formal protest with CAF. If CAF confirms the violation, Tanzania could face a range of consequences, including:
Losing the match 3–0 by penalty.
Suspension from the 2025 AFCON.
These potential outcomes not only threaten Tanzania’s qualification campaign but also raise questions about the oversight within the team’s administrative management.
Implications for Tanzanian Football
The Taifa Stars, who last appeared at AFCON in 2019, had been on track to qualify for the 2025 tournament. This setback could derail years of progress and dampen the hopes of millions of fans. It also serves as a stark reminder to all national associations about the importance of strict adherence to CAF regulations.
Awaiting CAF’s Verdict
CAF is expected to issue a decision in the coming days. As the football world waits, Tanzanian fans and officials are hoping for leniency, while Guinea sees this as an opportunity to improve their own chances in the group standings.
This incident underscores how administrative lapses can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only players and teams but also the credibility of international competitions.