Rwanda's disqualification from Africa Cup of Nations upheld

The Confederation of African Football announced Saturday that it has upheld a decision to disqualify Rwanda from the African Cup of Nations for using an ineligible player.

The Confederation of African Football announced Saturday that it has upheld a decision to disqualify Rwanda from the African Cup of Nations for using an ineligible player.

An appeals board last week decided to uphold the decision, which was first rendered by the cup's organizing committee.

CAF said the country knew that striker Dady Birori was using different names and passports for his club team and Rwanda. 

According to CAF, Birori was using a Congolese passport and the name Etekiama Agiti Tady while playing for Congo club AS Vita.

From the CAF's statement: 

Based on the documents on record, it was evident that the Rwandan federation was aware of this double identity but proceeded to feature the player for the national team while he held a different identity with the club.

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The Republic of Congo took Rwanda's spot in the final round of qualifiers for the tournament.

- Chris Johnson