Swaziland pull out of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Swaziland have withdrawn from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, just a week before the preliminaries are due to get underway.

The southern Africans were supposed to play against the Seychelles in a two-legged tie over the next few weeks, but according to the Swaziland FA, they are unable to take part in the Afcon qualifiers due to financial issues Confederation of African Football (Caf) rules suggest that any withdrawal from qualifying may be subject to a fine, and possibly even a ban which could affect their appearance at the 2015 Afcon. According to Supersport, this is the first round of qualifiers for the 2013 tournament, and the remaining games will played on a knockout basis over three rounds between January and October. Due to Swaziland's withdrawal from the competition Seychelles advance to the second round to meet the Democratic Republic of Congo over two legs in March. (Supersport)