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Mali have been cleared to play in next month's African Junior Championship after FIFA lifted the suspension on its football federation (FEMAFOOT).
They were due to be replaced by Ethiopia if the suspension, which came into effect on 17 May 2017, continued beyond 30 April 2017.
A letter dated 28 April 2017 and signed by FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samoura confirmed the decision taken by Bureau of the FIFA Council, following the reinstatement of the FEMAFOOT Executive Committee.
''The Bureau of the Council was informed of the new decision of the Minister of Sports (28 April 2107), which annuls Decisions (8 March 2017) that they had dissolved the FEMAFOOT Executive Committee and set up a provisional committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of the federation and to facilitate the election of a new executive committee Within twelve months. Therefore, the Executive Committee of FEMAFOOT, chaired by you, has been resettled.
''In these circumstances, the Bureau of the Council decided to lift the suspension of FEMAFOOT with immediate effect. Consequently, FEMAFOOT again benefits from all of its membership rights in accordance with Art. 13 of the FIFA Statutes.
''As a result, representative teams and FBF clubs can again participate in international competitions, it also means that FEMAFOOT, its members and officials can once again benefit from the development programs, courses and training provided by FIFA and The Confederation of African Football (CAF). In addition, FIFA member associations may re-establish sports relations with FEMAFOOT and / or its teams,'' the FIFA General Secretary wrote.
Holders Mali will play in Group B with Angola, Niger and Tanzania in Libreville whilst host Gabon, Cameroon, Ghana and Guinea make up Group A, to be based in Port Gentil.
The Total U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 will run from 14-28 May.
