World football’s governing body, FIFA, has banned Sudan Football Association (SFA) vice president, Yasser Nasreddin Hamza Al-Samani, from the country’s next 15 competitive matches after he assaulted a match official during a World Cup qualifier last month.
The incident occurred after Sudan’s 1–0 defeat to Togo in Lomé, a result that effectively ended the country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a disciplinary statement, FIFA said the sanction was imposed for “assaulting a match official”, adding that such conduct violated the principles of fair play and respect enshrined in the sport’s disciplinary code.
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FIFA also handed a three-match ban to Sudan’s assistant coach, Ignatius Osei-Fosu, a Ghanaian, for “unsporting behaviour towards match officials.”
The refereeing team for the 9 September match was drawn from Madagascar, FIFA added.
The bans underscore FIFA’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity in football amid growing concern over the treatment of referees and match officials worldwide.
