Ebola aids Sierra Leone’s AFCON qualification

Seychelles has forfeited their African Nations Cup qualifying tie against Sierra Leone after refusing the West African nation’s football team entry over Ebola virus fears.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules do not allow for postponements of longer than three days, which means the Seychelles either host the game or give up their place in the competition. They gladly gave up their place.

The playing and coaching staff of Sierra Leone, leading 2-0 from the first leg at home a fortnight ago, had gone through immigration and were waiting to board a plane when they were told by Kenyan Airways they would not be allowed to travel.

President of Seychelles Football Association, Elvis Chetty, said that the decision to deny entry to the Sierra Leone squad had been made by the island nation’s health ministry.

“I would like to state that the Seychelles FA lays no blame at the feet of the Sierra Leone FA for this,” he told the BBC.

“We have taken the decision because of the advice sent to us by the Seychelles Ministry of Health.

“We also received a letter from the Ministry of Immigration saying it would not allow the Sierra Leone team to enter our jurisdiction.

“They are asking us to postpone the game for an indefinite period, so we feel it is right to forfeit now rather than drag it out.”