The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has avoided a ban from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after formally apologising for accusing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of bias.

The FTF accused CAF of cheating following Tunisia's controversial quarter-final defeat to Equatorial Guinea at this year's edition of the tournament, which led to the continental body setting a deadline of today for the FTF to apologise or face exclusion from the next edition in two years' time.

The FTF initially refused to do so and filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which they have now agreed to withdraw.

CAF heard Tunisia's appeal, which was presented by FTF vice-president Maher Snoussi in Dakar, Senegal, on March 13. 

''The appeal board noted that during the deliberations, the Tunisian federation began its presentation with a formal apology,'' read a statement from CAF.

Tunisia were incensed by the decision of referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn to award a penalty to opponents Equatorial Guinea during an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final tie 

Tunisia were leading 1-0 against the host nation in the final minute of normal time when Mauritian referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn adjudged Ali Maaloul to have fouled Ivan Bolado in the penalty area.

Equatorial Guinea converted from the spot to equalise before going on to win the tie 2-1 after extra time.

The FTF was fined $50,000 (£32,400/€44,000) after Tunisia players and staff confronted the official after the match and despite lodging an appeal, CAF has confirmed that this still stands. 

FTF President Wadie Jary resigned from his position on the African Cup of Nations Organising Committee, a position he had held since 2013, in protest at the decision of Rajindraparsad, who was banned for six months for "poor performance".

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers begin in June.