World soccer's governing body FIFA has reinstated Ethiopia after new leaders were elected for the country's soccer federation.
"After organising an extraordinary general meeting under the guidance of FIFA, and electing new leaders, we have been readmitted," the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Ethiopia was suspended from international competition in 2008 after failing to reinstate FIFA-recognised federation leaders who were fired during an internal row.
As a result of the suspension, Ethiopia was kicked out of the qualifying competition for the 2010 World Cup after they had already played four games in African zone Group Eight.
The results of the matches against were annulled.
FIFA's executive committee voted at a meeting in May to lift the suspension, provided that EFF organised and chaired an elective general assembly.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that it was satisfied with the election.
"The election took place last weekend and was observed by both FIFA and CAF (the African Football Confederation), to both parties' satisfaction," said FIFA.
"FIFA support on a range of programmes will now be available once again to the EFF, and the topic of the elections will be discussed at September's FIFA Executive Committee.
Reuters
