Africa fans have accused the federation of backing Asec

The club owes US$71,000 in wages to former coaches Franco Cucinotta and Christian Zermatten.

Fifa's disciplinary committee, which acted upon a complaint by the two men, ruled that the club will be in the second division next season if Zermatten is not paid what he is owed by 18 September.

Six points have already been docked from their league campaign for missing a 31 August deadline to pay Cucinotta.

This cost Africa the chance to win the Ivorian title, as Asec Abidjan have been confirmed as champions in their place.

The club is reportedly in debt to the tune of $93,000, which must be paid in the next two weeks.

They also have to pay a $5,600 fine to Fifa.

Africa's directors have been called to the Ivorian Football Federation (Fif) headquarters in Abidjan for a series of meetings to resolve the situation.

According to the club's official newspaper, "Fif and Africa are working together to sort out the situation."

It appears that Africa's directors hope Fif will assist them in paying off the outstanding debt.

However, the relationship between the two bodies has been poor this year.

Africa's teeming supporters have accused the federation of favouring rivals Asec in the championship race.

At Africa's last game, some fans carried banners which proclaimed that "Fif is a cheat" and "Fif belongs to Asec."

It would be ironic if a financial handout from Fif saves the club from the embarrassment of relegation.