Tanzanian giants Simba SC and Yanga FC says they will not take part in the 2013 CECAFA Club Championship if it is held in Darfur Sudan as it is planned.
The decision follows questions over security in the troubled region being raised by Tanzania’s foreign minister Bernad Membe in parliament over the weekend.
Simba SC chairman Ismail Aden Rage says that unless there is venue change, his team would pull out of the competition.
“CECAFA should change the venue otherwise we will not go to Darfur to put on bullet proof vests. It is obvious that there is a state of insecurity as confirmed by the government”, said the chairman.
Defending champions Yanga, who had earlier said they were happy to go to Darfur, said they would now follow the government’s advice.
Nevertheless, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Secretary General Angetile Osiah told BBC they had been assured of security and accommodation despite the government’s concerns and says they will take the government’s decision as final.
“CECAFA had assured us that security is okay and accommodation is good. We also saw pictures on Super Sport and it looked okay however, the government has the final say on this and we will have to go with what they advise”, he said.
Al Hilal and Al Merreckh of Sudan have already withdrawn so as Ethiopian champions St George who opted out so as to concentrate on their Confederation Cup campaign.
Uganda will be represented by 2011/12 Uganda Super League (USL) champions Express FC.
