Fufa dismisses claims that Khalid Aucho suspension was politically motivated

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has explained circumstances under which they suspended midfielder Khalid Aucho from the Uganda Cranes camp.

While Aucho and his friend Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP) had alleged the suspension was due to the players condemnation of injustices government had allegedly meted on some opposition supporters, Fufa says the decision was informed by rules and guidelines.

“The decision taken by FUFA against Aucho has no political inclination as claimed by the player and in some media outlets,” said Fufa.

Here is the full statement by Fufa

All Uganda Cranes Players and Officials are bound by the National Teams’ Code of Conduct formulated by FUFA way back in 2017.

When players were invited for National team duty two weeks ago for the two AFCON Qualifier matches against Burkina Faso and Malawi; an air ticket was sent (for foreign based players) and a circular dated 4th March 2021 attached reminding players and officials of their obligations in line with National Teams’ Code of Conduct. This applied to the local based players as well.

Permission for players to miss from camp is only granted by the Head Coach, in this case, player Khalid Aucho had to follow the same procedure. Unfortunately, he did not.

The decision taken by FUFA against Aucho has no political inclination as claimed by the player and in some media outlets.

Selection of players for National team duty is on merit.

Aucho was dismissed from the current Cranes camp but may be considered for future National team engagements.

FUFA enforces regulations with all its players and officials of the Nine (9) National teams just like it was for goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba who was asked to leave camp for breaching the Covid-19 regulations when Uganda Cranes was preparing for the CHAN tournament.

Finally, with the current Covid-19 situation, the health of the entire contingent in camp is paramount. All players were directed to enter camp upon arrival in the country to avoid any possible spread of the virus.