Benin will be without one of their most experienced defenders for the opening stages of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after the country’s football federation handed Olivier Verdon a six-month suspension following disciplinary breaches.
The Benin Football Federation (FBF) announced the sanction on Friday, ruling that the 30-year-old centre-back will be barred from all national team activities during the suspension period.
The decision means Verdon is set to miss the Cheetahs’ first four qualifying matches for the 2027 AFCON, dealing a significant blow to Benin’s preparations as they seek a place at the continental tournament.
In a statement, the federation explained that the disciplinary action followed an internal investigation into the defender’s conduct while on international duty.
“This decision follows the observation of several breaches of the rules of discipline, internal operation, respect for the instructions of the management and the obligations of collective life applicable to all players called up to the national team.
“After examination of all the elements of the case, it was decided to pronounce against Mr. Olivier Verdon a six (06) month firm suspension from the national teams of Benin, accompanied by an additional six (06) month suspended suspension ,” the FBF indicates.
The federation also confirmed that Verdon would be completely excluded from national team activities during the punishment period.
“during the period of firm suspension, the person concerned will not be summoned or participate in any activity related to the national selections of Benin.”
A separate statement released by the federation reiterated the reasons behind the decision.
“This decision follows the finding of several breaches of the discipline rules, internal operations, respect for the instructions of the management team, and the collective living obligations applicable to all players called up to the national team.”
After examining all the elements of the file, it was decided to impose on Mr. Olivier Verdon a firm suspension of six (06) months from the Benin national teams, accompanied by an additional six (06) month suspended suspension.
The suspension arrives at a crucial period for Benin, who have been drawn in Group F of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Burkina Faso, Mauritania and the Central African Republic.
As a result of the sanction, Verdon will miss four qualifying fixtures scheduled across September, October and November.
The Ludogorets defender will be unavailable for Benin’s matches against Burkina Faso and Mauritania during the first international window, as well as a home-and-away double-header against the Central African Republic later in the year.
The defender is not expected to return to international football until the final rounds of qualification in March 2027.
Verdon’s absence could prove significant given his experience and status within the national team setup. The centre-back has been a regular figure for Benin in recent years and is regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished defenders.
The latest punishment also marks the second disciplinary issue involving the player in recent years. According to the federation, Verdon had previously been sanctioned before later returning to the squad after apologising to teammates and officials.
With the AFCON qualifying campaign fast approaching, Benin will now have to begin their quest for a place at the 2027 tournament without one of their most established defenders, while Verdon faces a lengthy wait before he can again represent the Cheetahs on the international stage.
