The South African Football Association (Safa) has decided to withdraw from the Africa Futsal Cup of Nations because the tournament is taking place in the disputed Western Sahara city of Laayoune.
The sixth edition of the tournament was set to start on 28 January and run until 7 February 2020.
The South African team won’t be competing after a decision by the country’s football association due to government resolutions to stay out of the disputed area, set to host the tournament.
Safa announced the decision on Wednesday afternoon at Safa House.
The South African Footbal Association (SAFA) has decided to withdraw from the FUTSAL tournament after Morocco insisted on hosting the tournament in Laayoune which is in disputed Western Sahara
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020
We are aware of the possible fine from CAF and other repercussions following our decision to withdraw from the FUTSAL tournament but this was a difficult decision which we had to make – SAFA acting CEO, Gay Mokoena
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020
South Africa has no issue in playing in Morocco but in line with SA government and AU resolutions, will not play in Western Sahara – SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) January 15, 2020
