Terror attack victims Togo banned after Africa Cup of Nations pull-out

TOGO have been banned from taking part in the next two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and hit with a US$50,000 fine following their withdrawal from this year's tournament in the wake of a terrorist attack on the team bus that left three people dead.

The decision was made yesterday by the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Togo's bus driver, an assistant coach and a press officer were killed in the attack by separatist terrorists, which occurred while Togo were en route to the team hotel two days before their opening match.

There followed a period of confusion as to whether the players wanted to play on, but they were ultimately called home by their government having decided themselves they wished to stay. CAF has deemed that move amounted to political interference, leading to yesterday's sanction.

The Togolese prime minister's office said it would wait to be formally notified of the move by CAF before issuing a reaction.

Togo midfielder Thomas Dossevi, right, who was on the bus when it came under fire minutes after it crossed the Angolan border from Pointe Noire, Congo, said Togo should appeal against the ban. "We are a group of footballers who came under fire and now we can't play football any more. They are crushing us," he said. "Togo should appeal the suspension. When we said we were going home for a three-day mourning they said they were with us in this ordeal and now they punish us."

The families of the assistant coach and the press officer were taking legal action against the CAF and the Angolan state, their lawyer, Alexis Aquereburu, said.

City linked to Mariga

MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini has been linked with a 7 million swoop for Parma's Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga after a move for Real Madrid's Fernando Gago broke down.

Representatives from City and Mariga are reported to have had productive talks over the move, which could involve Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov heading in the opposite direction on a permanent basis. Bojinov is already on loan at Parma.

Meanwhile, City's Benjani Mwaruwari could be on his way to Sunderland after talks with the Wearside club.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is hoping for an end to his frustration in the transfer market after moves for Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko and Liverpool's Ryan Babel appeared to fall through. Pavlyuchenko may now be heading back to Russia and Babel has been urged to stay at Anfield by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez. McLeish could look at a loan move for Estudiantes' Mauro Boselli.

Tottenham have confirmed they have reached agreement with Portsmouth for the transfer of defender Younes Kaboul.

The north London club made the announcement in the wake of yesterday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham, when Harry Redknapp's side conceded a 90th-minute equaliser.