Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

FIFA threatens Benin with 2019 African Nations Cup exclusion - report

FIFA has warned that Benin are facing exclusion from qualifying for the 2019 African Nations Cup unless they pay money owed to sacked former coach Didier Olle-Nicolle, L'Equipe has reported.

Olle-Nicolle, currently coach of French second-division side Orleans, signed a two-year contract to be Benin boss in March 2014 but was sacked just seven months later following a run of poor results.

In May, FIFA's Player Status Committee ruled the Benin FA (FBF) had to pay the balance of the remaining months on Olle-Nicolle's contract. 

However, after failing to comply with that ruling, L'Equipe said the FBF has now been fined 15,000 Swiss francs ($15,491) by FIFA's Disciplinary Committee and given 30 days to pay what it owes Olle-Nicolle, 55, or face being excluded from FIFA competition.

Though out of the running to reach next summer's FIFA World Cup, Benin are co-leaders of African Nations Cup qualification Group D after their opening match, but could be thrown out of the competition if they fail to meet the deadline.

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