The 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Guinea and Morocco has been postponed due to the prevailing political and security situation in the West African country, a joint statement from FIFA/CAF confirmed.
The match was scheduled to take place on Monday in Conakry, the Guinean capital, but will be moved to an unspecified date.
The joint statement said “volatile” situation in Guinea had prompted them to postpone the match “to ensure the safety and security of all players and to protect all match officials”.
The statement added that details of the rescheduling of the match will be made available at a later date.
News of the postponement came after Guinean President, Alpha Conde was detained by the Special Forces earlier on Sunday, with Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who has been identified as the head of the action, announcing the dissolution of the government, suspension of the constitution and the closure of the country’s borders.
Doumbouya said the army had been forced to act because of poverty, endemic corruption, abuse of power and a lack of respect for democratic principles. The announcement followed heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in Conakry.
Amateur videos have been circulating on social media showing President Conde among soldiers, with the country’s capital Conakry filled with troops.