THE Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) has not yet approved Sudanese club Al Hilal's request to play in the upcoming Mainland Premier League season.

Al Hilal submitted the request due to the suspension of football activities in Sudan caused by political unrest. Initially, in March, the TFF considered allowing Al Hilal to play exhibition matches, which would not affect the league standings.

With the league starting next month, the Tanzania Premier League Board's (TPLB) information officer, Karim Boimanda, has clarified that Al Hilal's participation is still pending.

The delay is due to outstanding revisions to the league's regulations, which require approval by the TFF committee before any decision can be made.

"Our Sudanese counterparts requested their clubs' participation in the Mainland Premier League. Due to ongoing political unrest in Sudan, their teams are competing in the CAF Champions League to maintain match fitness for their national team. Al Hilal's request to join the league reached the TFF. The secretariat presented it to the executive committee for discussion, and it was approved. The executive committee then directed the secretariat to forward the request to the Tanzania Premier League Board for their review."

Boimanda further explained that the league regulations are being finalized after club chairmen reviewed the drafts, which need to be approved by the TFF.

"It's too early to discuss how Al Hilal's participation would affect the league. Whether they'd be awarded points or compete for the trophy is still under consideration. League officials are evaluating both the potential benefits and drawbacks of their inclusion. 

The league's regulations are being finalized, and Al Hilal's participation in the Mainland Premier League hinges on these revisions. Once the new rules are approved, we'll have a definitive answer about Al Hilal's eligibility.

“The secretariat drafted the revisions, which have been reviewed by the league's management and club chairmen. Now, the Tanzania Premier League Board's leadership committee needs to sign off before it goes to the TFF's executive committee. Their approval is the final step before the regulations become official; currently, they are just recommendations," said Boimanda.

The TFF believes Al Hilal's inclusion in the Mainland Premier League could offer a competitive boost. Additionally, the soccer governing body sees an opportunity to utilize Sudanese referees residing in Tanzania due to the political unrest in Sudan. 

These referees, who haven't been officiating due to the situation, could potentially enhance the overall quality of Tanzanian league matches.

However, the final decision on Al Hilal's participation and the involvement of Sudanese referees rests with the TFF. If approved, this move could mark a historical development for Tanzanian football.