September 27, 2008
There are calls for Ethiopia’s Prime Minister to step in to resolve the row which caused the country to be thrown out of World Cup qualifying.
Dr Ashebir Woldegiorgis is recognised by Fifa as the head of the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), but was removed from office in January.
Football’s world governing body has never accepted that move.
Working with CAF, Fifa drew up a ‘roadmap’ to resolve the issue, but the committee which replaced Dr Ashebir has failed to follow the plan.
Fifa suspended the EFF and then ejected Ethiopia from qualifying for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Dr Ashebir told the BBC’s World Football programme that the continuing dispute could damage his country’s reputation.
“It is a matter of justice, a matter of principle that should be respected by this country,” he said.
“I think that is the big issue, for the image and reputation of the government itself.”
The committee which replaced Dr Ashebir, lead by Ahmed Yasin, is recognised by Ethiopia’s sports minister.
Dr Ashebir wants Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to bring an end to the dispute and allow Ethiopia back into the world game.
Ethiopia had been in with a chance of reaching the second group phase of the 2010 qualifiers, but will play little international football over the next two years, unless the row is resolved.
