Source: Daily_Mail
Adebayor blasts 'outrageous' decision to ban Togo from Africa Cup of Nations
Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has labelled the decision to ban his national team from the next two editions of the African Nations Cup as 'outrageous'.[LNB]The west African side were banned from the next two tournaments and hit with a fine following their withdrawal from this year's competition in the wake of a terrorist attack on their team bus.[LNB]The decision was made by the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and was greeted with disgust by Adebayor.[LNB] Distressed: Emmanuel Adebayor and the rest of the Togo squad were devastated by the deadly bus attack in Angola earlier this month[LNB]The Manchester City striker claimed the CAF's Cameroonian president Issa Hayatou had 'completely betrayed' the Togo squad and called for him to leave his post.[LNB]He told L'Equipe: 'Mr Hayatou has served Africa extensively, but now he must escape. This decision is outrageous.'[LNB]Three people were killed in the January 8 attack, which occurred while Togo were en route to the team hotel two days before their opening match.[LNB]There followed a period of confusion as to whether the players wanted to play on, but they were ultimately called home by their government having decided themselves they wished to stay.[LNB] Tragedy: The body of Togo's assistant coach Amalete Abalo was flown back to the country following the attack in Angola[LNB]The CAF deemed that move amounted to political interference, leading to the sanction. [LNB]Adebayor continued: 'They do not care about the voice of the world. It was our head of state (Faure Gnassingbe) who sent us to the African Nations Cup to defend the colours of our country.[LNB]'He said the threat surrounding our squad had not gone and told us to return to our country. We are only ambassadors. We were obliged to return, and there was nothing we could do.'[LNB] Back in action: Adebayor made his return to Manchester City in their Carling Cup clash with Manchester United on Wednesday[LNB]Togo's French coach, Hubert Velud, was also astonished by the decision and wants to know whether it is one supported by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini.[LNB]'I am curious to know if Blatter and Platini will endorse this decision,' he said.[LNB]'If they let this go, it is the gateway to completely dysfunctional football. I officially launched an appeal to international bodies to see their reaction.'[LNB] Togo to appeal against African Cup ban following terror attacksTogo national football team handed six-year ban from Africa Cup of Nations... for being shot at by rebels[LNB] [LNB]
