Rwanda FA complain to CAF against Ugandan player

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has formally complained to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Uganda fielded an over-aged player in their recent Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifier.

Uganda ejected Rwanda on a 3-2 goal aggregate last weekend to qualify for the next phase of the tournament where they will face Egypt, reports Xinhua.

In both legs, the Rwanda FA allege that Uganda fielded Uganda Premier League side SC Vipers goalkeeper James Aheebwa who had two different identities on his club license and national passport, which do not conform to the standards of qualification of the U-20 competition.

Edgar Watson, the Uganda FA Chief Executive Officer confirmed to Xinhua on Thursday that they had received the complaint.

"We shall make sure we explain to CAF all issues pertaining to the mentioned player before the end of the week," he added.

According to details sent to CAF, Aheebwa's CAF Champions League License with SC Vipers shows that the player was born on March 27, 1997, while his passport used in the U-20 qualifier against Rwanda, indicated that he was born on May 19, 1998.

Regulations stipulate that in the case of junior player participating in CAF Inter-Clubs competitions, he will not be qualified to participate in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations if the date of birth indicated in his license is different from the one indicated on his passport.

The matter will now be handled by the CAF Appeals Committee tribunal who will give their final verdict. In-case Rwanda's appeal is successful, their U-20 will proceed to the second round to face Zambia.

--IANS

ajb/vm