FIFA to investigate Mali riot

FIFA announced that it will investigate the riot that caused the World Cup qualifier between Mali and Togo to be halted.

Trouble broke out when visitors Togo scored what appeared to be the winner in injury time, prompting scores of home fans in Mali’s capital Bamako to invade the pitch.

Police fired tear gas and the game was suspended with Togo leading 2-1.

The African Soccer Confederation awarded the match to Togo, but FIFA have yet to confirm that decision.

“FIFA has received a formal report from match officials on site and will open a disciplinary case to fully investigate and review the incidents at the stadium,” FIFA spokesman John Schumacher said.

Rioting spread from the stadium to central Bamako, with many of those involved blaming the Mali players for the result.