
'Ineligible' Equatorial Guinea skipper cleared to play by Fifa
Equatorial Guinea's record goalscorer Emilio Nsue has been officially cleared to play for the country by Fifa – more than a decade after the former Spain youth international made his senior debut for the African nation.There was widespread surprise in May last year when football's world governing body handed Nsue, now 35, a six-month ban, deeming him ineligible to play in 2026 World Cup qualifiers.At the time, Fifa said it was "comfortably satisfied" that Nsue, who won the golden boot at last year's Africa Cup of Nations, had never received clearance to formalise his switch from Spain.But that changed on Wednesday when Fifa approved a second request by Equatorial Guinea's football federation (Feguifut) - twelve years after its first attempt."Fifa's decision has been very positive for us and for all the people of Equatorial Guinea," Feguifut president Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha told BBC Sport Africa."After so many years, and months, we were able to show that Emilio was eligible and finally Fifa showed justice in this case."Fifa's shock ruling last year came 43 games after Nsue's 2013 debut for Equatorial Guinea, a side he has often captained and for whom he has scored a record 22 goals.After he struck twice in World Cup qualifying wins against Namibia and Liberia in late 2023, Fifa ruled that both games would be forfeited 3-0.Feguifut was also fined 150,000 Swiss francs ($164,000, £129,000) for fielding the player, who had previously taken part in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifying campaigns without incident.The second - and ultimately successful - bid to change Nsue's allegiance was launched shortly after his six-month ban ended, while a Feguifut appeal last year resulted in the fine being reduced to 50,000 Swiss francs, with the remaining 100,000 suspended for two years.
What led to Fifa's decision?
Fifa's ruling in May 2024 stunned both Nsue and Feguifut president Ndong Micha, given neither thought his eligibility was an issue.It transpired, however, that a previous Feguifut regime had failed to file the correct paperwork and follow procedure in 2013.Having played nearly 50 times for Spain's youth teams, it was in February of that year that the Equatoguinean federation first wrote to Fifa requesting the change of allegiance before – despite receiving no approval – then fielding the forward in two games over four months.In response, Fifa sanctioned Equatorial Guinea, awarding technical 3-0 wins to their opponents, stating that Nsue was ineligible as he did not have Equatoguinean nationality when first representing Spain in 2005 (a requirement at the time).Four months later, however, Nsue was back on the field for Equatorial Guinea – for a friendly against Spain, ironically – and he continued to play, including at three Nations Cups, until Fifa took its belated action.Speaking to the BBC in July 2024, Ndong Micha claimed that Fifa had not taken into account his country's constitution, which states that anyone born to a mother or father from the country is automatically an Equatoguinean upon birth.A statement to this extent by Equatorial Guinea's minister for justice, culture and human rights was crucial in enabling Fifa's recent U-turn.The fact that Nsue could show an old Equatoguinean passport from 2004, a document which preceded his first Spain youth appearance, also helped win the case."Thanks to our lawyer Paolo (Torchetti), who has been key, we have been able to show all necessary documentation relating to Emilio's eligibility," added Ndong Micha, calling Fifa's decision 'vital'.
2026 World Cup hopes
The Central African nation now hopes its lost points can be returned as the nation of two million looks to qualify for its maiden World Cup.The deduction took Equatorial Guinea, once second in Group H with nine points from four games, to second bottom in a group topped by Tunisia.Nsue is now set to feature in this month's World Cup qualifiers at home to Sao Tome and Principe and away against Namibia."Now that Emilio has been deemed eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea, I think the World Cup points should be coming back to us in the future," said Ndong Micha."We want the six points as this will give us renewed hope as we fight to qualify."Liberia and Malawi are the other nations in the six-team group.Only the winners will qualify automatically for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA, while the four best-placed runners-up will have a second chance via the play-offs.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
31 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
England footie ace Millie Bright misses OBE ceremony with Prince William as she's on crutches with knee injury
A source reveals how 'Millie and Dave's relationship has rocketed' MILLIE INJURY BLOW England footie ace Millie Bright misses OBE ceremony with Prince William as she's on crutches with knee injury Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIONESSES ace Millie Bright missed a date with Prince William yesterday — as she is on crutches. The England defender, 31, is recovering from surgery to fix a knee injury which forced her to pull out of the Euro 2025 squad. 3 Millie Bright is recovering from surgery to fix a knee injury Credit: Getty 3 Prince William with Everton manager David Moyes Credit: PA It also meant she missed her investiture at Windsor Castle, where she was due to receive an OBE. Instead, the Chelsea player hobbled along with her pet dog yesterday near her Surrey home. It comes after The Sun revealed she had split from her fiancé. An onlooker said: 'Millie's had a chaotic few weeks with news of her split and pulling out of the England squad. "But she's as tough in real life as she is on the pitch.' We revealed on Saturday how Millie had fallen for a personal trainer, and named him yesterday as married dad-of-seven Dave Zetolofsky, 39. England's World Cup captain last week made herself unavailable for this summer's Euros — stating she was unable to 'give 100 per cent mentally or physically'. She was said to be in turmoil after splitting from hubby-to-be Levi Crew and growing close to tattooed martial arts enthusiast Dave, who has been seen moving into her property. However, she has told friends her new romance has nothing to do with her squad withdrawal. There is also no suggestion that the pair cheated on their partners. Dave's wife Katie is said to be 'devastated'. A source said yesterday: 'Millie and Dave's relationship has rocketed. STAR'S NEW LOVE England footie ace Millie Bright's hunky new personal trainer lover revealed as kickboxer dad of SEVEN "They are smitten. It's tough on their former partners but they are trying to navigate through the turbulence as best they can and concentrate on a future together.' Millie was awarded her OBE after winning the 2022 Euros and captaining England to the 2023 World Cup final. Everton manager David Moyes was among those to receive the gong yesterday, and revealed he and Aston Villa fan Wills discussed football.


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Jadon Sancho at centre of three-way Premier League transfer battle with Man Utd misfit not part of Ruben Amorim's plans
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THREE Premier League clubs are battling to sign Jadon Sancho, SunSport can reveal. The former Borussia Dortmund winger is back at Manchester United after Chelsea rejected the chance to make his move permanent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Chelsea have turned down the chance to sign Jadon Sancho Credit: Alamy 4 He did score in the Conference League final Credit: Reuters Manager Ruben Amorim has no plans to integrate Sancho back into his first team - meaning the 25-year-old is searching for a fresh start. And SunSport understands Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are all monitoring developments. Villa are thought to be keen on a loan deal for the player, but United would prefer cash to free up funds for a rebuild. Newcastle and Tottenham both see Sancho as a strong option as they look to build squads that can compete in the League and the Champions League. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FROZEN OUT Island nation 9 times larger than UK banned from World Cup as statement released Borussia Dortmund were also tracking Sancho, but they've now opted for Jobe Bellingham. Despite netting in the 4-1 Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis, Sancho couldn't seal a £25million switch to Chelsea. Chelsea had initially loaned Sancho from United and had agreed to buy him for £25million, unless they dropped below 14th or coughed up a £5m penalty clause. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS After the Blues finished fourth and lifted the Conference League trophy, they opted to pay the £5m penalty. Now, Chelsea's eyes are set on a range of wingers, including Jamie Byroe-Gittens and Nico Williams of Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao, respectively. Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd return 4 They are still linked with Sancho's team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, who looks to have been banished to the wilderness by Ruben Amorim in a similar fallout to the one Sancho had with Erik ten Hag. United have set a staggering £70m asking price on the Argentine winger. Garnacho is viewed as one of United's sellable assets this summer as he is considered homegrown, although he does have three years remaining on his contract. Chelsea today confirmed Sancho's return to Man Utd in a 92-word statement on the club website. It said: "Sancho, 25, joined on a season-long loan on August 31 2024 and went on to make a total of 41 appearances for the club. "The winger registered five goals during his time at Stamford Bridge, with his final strike coming in the Blues' UEFA Conference League Final victory against Real Betis on May 28. "Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Jadon for his efforts and we wish him every success for the future."


Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Hamza Igamane sparks Rangers transfer battle as EPL and French clubs line up bids as stellar price tag set
The Moroccan frontman only joined Gers for £1.7million last summer Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is reportedly the subject of interest from clubs in the Premier League and Ligue 1. The Morocco international enjoyed a productive first season at Ibrox following his £1.7milion move from FAR Rabat last summer, notching 16 times in 46 matches in all competitions. Those displays have helped the 22-year-old make the breakthrough at international level, with Igamane making his senior bow for Morocco in a World Cup qualifying victory against Niger back in March. But reports out of France claim that new Gers boss Russell Martin will have a fight on their hands to keep a hold of the frontman ahead of the new season. Foot Mercato state that Igamane is a target for seven clubs from the top tiers in England and France. They claim that Everton, West Ham and Brentford have been joined by Lens, Lille, Rennes and Strasbourg in the race to land the Ibrox ace. Lille are in the market for a new attacker following talisman Jonathan David's pending exit on a free transfer while Rennes may look for a replacement for Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi, who is said to be surplus to requirements after just six months with the Ligue 1 club. However, they add that Rangers are under no pressure to sell the forward and that an asking price of €15million (£12.7million) will have to be met to take Igamane away from Govan. Fellow Ibrox frontman Cyriel Dessers has also been linked with an exit this summer, with Greek outfit AEK keen on the Nigeria international. But Record Sport has learned that Rangers won't be willing to listen to any offers of less than £5million for the 30-year-old. Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell's transfer coffers are set to be given a boost after new Ibrox owners 49ers Enteprises pledged to pump £20million into the recruitment drive. We have also has revealed that talks over potential deals for Leicester City defender Conor Coady and Maccabi Tel Aviv striker Dor Turgeman are ongoing. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.