Togo Appeals To CAS To Reverse Nations Cup Ban

Lome, February 13, 2010 - Togo has appealed to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn its ban from the next two African Nations Cup, the country's sports minister said on Friday.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned Togo from the continent's next two tournaments after the team was withdrawn from this year's competition in Angola following the death of two members of their delegation in an ambush.

Togo was also fined $50,000.

"The Togolese government has appealed to the CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland," said Christophe Tchao, Togo's sports and leisure minister.

"We are appealing against CAF's decision to ban Togo from the next two African Nations Cups," he added.

A Togolese assistant coach and a press officer died following an ambush on their bus in the northern Angolan province of Cabinda on January 8, prompting the government to recall the team for three days of mourning.

Togolese captain Emmanuel Adebayor, who plays for English Premier League Manchester City, said the ban was "monstrous" and called on CAF President Issa Hayatou to resign.

A senior CAF officer on Friday added his weight to efforts to overturn the ban, which has been widely criticised.

"I am Togolese and I sincerely hope that they will lift this ban," said Seyi Memene, CAF's First Vice-President.

"A team of high-level lawyers has been put together and I hope to see they find the best solution possible." Reuters