Togo Football Federation Re-Appoints Gnassingbe

January 19, 2009

Rock Gnassingbe, the brother of Togo’s president, has been re-appointed at the head of the Togo Football Federation, ousting incumbent Tata Avlessi in a special election held on Sunday.

Gnassingbe, an army colonel, had removed himself after corruption claims following the 2006 World Cup finals, where Togo spent more time arguing over money than playing the game.

Avlessi had been handed a life ban by CAF last year for trying to bribe a referee, although it was later overturned.

Gnassingbe polled 30 of the 51 votes available - his nearest rival, Avlessi, took 14.