Saif Ali\'s appearance has cost Sudan 3 points The Sudanese Football Association has announced that the system of licencing clubs and professional football teams in Sudan will start during the new 2013/14 season. In a press conference, the Association secretary, Majdi Shamseddin said: \"The Association continues its effort to enter the stage of professionalism under the decisions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.\" He emphasised on the importance of changing the methods of football management in the country, including the workings of the Football Association itself, adding that \"such a move will be welcomed by everyone in Sudan.\"
He also discussed the Association’s actions regarding FIFA\'s decision to strip Sudan of its victory against Zambia in their World Cup qualifier in July, because of the team fielding an ineligible player. Defender Saif Ali was selected to play despite being suspended under FIFA regulations. The Association has denied that Ali was suspended when he participated in the match and Shamseddin said that they will appeal against the decisions of the FIFA disciplinary committee.
Speaking about players from South Sudan, Shamseddin said that the Board of Directors had agreed to let player contracts run to their duration, before the players are treated as foreign players. He also said that the Association had received the new sports season calendar from the African Union and added that he was hopeful there will not be any postponements.