The Sierra Leonean FA say they are awaiting CAF’s January 15 deadline to confirm the withdrawal of Asante Kotoko’s opponents East End Lions from the Champions League.
Kotoko were drawn to face Lions in the first preliminary round of the continental club competition.
The Ghanaian champions are billed to play their Sierra Leonean counterpart in a two-legged home and away tie in February.
But East End Lions have failed to register a single player for the competition ahead of the January 15 deadline.
Officials of the Sierra Leonean FA admit there are ample evidence of Lions’ intent to withdraw from Champions League but will rather wait until the January 15 deadline.
“It is not official yet from the Sierra Leonean Football Association as to whether East End Lions have withdrawn,” Head of Competitions of the Sierra Leinean FA Ibrahim Sesay told Hello FM.
“Although we are getting indications from the officials here in Freetown that they will not participate in this year’s Champions League.
“We are waiting for the January 15 deadline then we will inform CAF accordingly as to whether Lions will participate or not but for now there are all indications they won’t participate.
“They have not informed us of anything yet but the club officials have failed to register a single player with CAF through the Sierra Leonean Football Association.
“So it means by implication that they will not participate.
“It has not been made official yet until January 15 when the registration of player is closed to CAF then we will inform CAF and inform the Ghana Football Association for the attention of Asante Kotoko.”