The Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF) got a rather unexpected response from the World Football Governing Body FIFA over its protest letter on the referee’s decision to disallow their goal against Nigeria during the World Cup qualification clash which took place in Addis Ababa over the weekend.
FIFA stated in its response that the decision of the referee to disallow the goal is final and nothing can be done about it.
According to FIFA, “We acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 13 October complaining about the referee decision to disallow a goal against Nigeria. In this respect, we would like to draw your attention to article 14 paragraph 6 of the regulations for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil”.
“According to which protests may be made about referee’s decision regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the Fifa disciplinary code”
“Therefore in view of the foregoing we regret to inform you that we are not in any position to intervene in the matter.
Finally, we would like to point out that the foregoing is of a purely informative nature, and therefore, without prejudice to any decision whatever” the letter pointed out and was signed by Marco Villiger ,Director of Legal affairs and Marc Cavallero head of Discipline and Governance.
The Super Eagles on Sunday 13th of October in Addis Ababa defeated Ethiopia 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup playoffs match.
Nigeria ensured she took the three points in the game by rallying from a goal deficit to stand a strong chance of qualifying for the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Ethiopia’s Asafa who scored the first goal for his country, could not save the Walya Antelopes from defeat on home soil as a brace from Emmanuel Emenike in the 2nd half, the second a penalty, cancelled Ethiopia’s early lead.
After the game, fans of Ethiopia were furious over a cross which was alleged to have crossed the goaline as goalkeeper Enyeama grabbed the ball.
This however led to a mass mob on the Super Eagles while being taken away from the stadium with Nosa Igiebor sustaining a hand injury in the process.
The return leg holds November 16 in Calabar.