The Ivory Coast may not go to the World Cup finals if there is still no peace in the war-ravaged country, the president of the Ivorian Football Federation has warned.
Jacques Anouma said that he had hoped the success of the football team would bring the north and the south of the country together, but his hopes have evaporated in recent months.
The country has effectively been divided in two since 2002 with rebels holding the north and the government the south.
“We hoped that each victory for the Elephants would bring the Ivorians back together for good,” said Anouma.
“Unfortunately we see nothing of the kind on the horizon.
“We ask all the protagonists to put down their arms and talk peace, what cause does it serve to go to the World Cup without peace in our country. Without peace there is no glory.”
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