FA concerned for players' safety

Togo have decided to pull out of the tournament as the death toll from the attack on their team bus reportedly rose to three. Togo government spokesperson Pascal Bodjona told reporters: "We can't continue in these dramatic circumstances in the African Nations Cup. It was necessary because our players are in shock." The bus came under machine gunfire yesterday just after it had crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo into the Angolan enclave of Cabinda. It was confirmed on Friday night the bus driver was killed, while reports have now claimed an assistant coach and a press officer also died from their injuries. There was confusion surrounding the condition of reserve team goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale. It had been widely reported in the French media that he had died, but his French club, GSI Pontivy, and Aston Villa midfielder Moustapha Salifou, who was with him on the bus, said he had been taken to South Africa for treatment. The English FA have been in touch with officials from FIFA and the African Football Confederation (CAF). Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, the Togo captain, was also on board, while a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, have players competing at the tournament. An FA statement read: "Following the terrible events involving the Togo national football team in Angola yesterday, the FA has been in continual contact with all of the English clubs who have African Nations Cup players. "We are also working closely with and being helpfully supported by the Premier League and League Managers Association. "The FA has also been in regular contact with FIFA to obtain as much information and guidance as possible. This has involved conversations with FIFA's General Secretary. We have also spoken to the Deputy General Secretary of CAF. The FA will maintain frequent contact with both organisations. "All of English football would like to offer our sincere condolences to everyone connected with the Togo squad, especially to the families of those who have been tragically killed or have been injured. "We will do all we can to ensure the welfare and safety of all Premier League players in Angola representing their countries."