Togo face a tough start to their World Cup qualifying campaign

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has ruled that Togo must play their first three 2010 World Cup qualifiers on neutral ground.

This decision follows crowd trouble at the Hawks' final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali at Lome's Kegue Stadium in October.

Mali won 2-0 on the night to qualify for the January showpiece tournament in Ghana.

After the final whistle, angry Togo fans invaded the pitch, chasing the Malian players to the changing rooms.

Spain-based striker Frederic Kanoute and Stoke City's Mamady Sidibe were among the players hurt in the incident, while several Mali fans ended up in hospital.

The Togo Football Federation (FTF) has also been fined US$55,000.

Africa's football governing body has also banned any international games at the Kegue Stadium for at least six months.

FTF will need Caf's approval before matches resume at the stadium in Lome.