Benin's 2017 AFCON hopes dashed

Benin players celebrate

Wednesday May 11, 2016. 14:58

Benin's hopes of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations have been dashed after FIFA suspended the countries Football Federation (FBF) from global football.

The decision follows after a court ruling in the country blocked upcoming elections.

EXCLUSIVE: KESHI SET TO STORM SOUTH AFRICAN TOP LEAGUE

A statement from football's world governing body read:"the Benin Football Association (FBF) was suspended with immediate effect due to a recent injunction by a local judicial court which impeded the holding of the due election."

As a result, Benin are set to miss their upcoming 2017 AFCON qualifier against Equatorial Guinea, scheduled for the weekend of 3-5 June in Cotonou.

The decision was made at the inaugural FIFA Council meeting in Mexico.

According to the BBC, a court ruling in Benin on 4 May prevented the FBF from holing presidential elections. Furthermore, the suspension will be lifted once a new Executive Committee has been installed.

The Squirrels currently occupy second spot in Group C, two point behind group-leaders Mali. Benin face Mali in September. Only the group winners are guaranteed a place in Gabon.