AFCON “It Has Now Become A Problem Holding AFCON In Winter” – FIFA President

The African continent’s biggest football fiesta is set to kick off less than three weeks in Cameroon. However, there is no guarantee yet that it will kick off on the scheduled date of January 6.

As the debate continues to rage about whether the continental championships should go on as planned, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that the world football governing body is still consulting with the organisers of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to postpone the competition to September.

The most significant opposition to the tournament comes from Europe. Especially in England, where the clubs frown at releasing some of their best stars at a crucial period of the season.

For example, Watford could lose exciting Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis, while Liverpool could potentially be without Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah for a month.

The spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus is also a concern, with the 2021 Afcon already postponed twice because of the pandemic.

A report emerged from France last week suggesting that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was looking to cancel the competition.

CAF quickly dismissed the report and insisted that Cameroon 2022 would proceed as planned.

Also Read :  GIANNI INFANTINO : FIFA PRESIDENT NAMES 2 AFRICAN COUNTRIES WHICH CAN HOST WC AFTER SOUTH AFRICA

But FIFA president Infantino, at the FIFA Global Summit on Monday, noted that the Afcon is an important tournament. But playing it in January has become a problem.

The top administrator, however, revealed that the football body is discussing the possibility of having the Afcon at a time when it would be convenient for the major stakeholders involved.

The African Cup is a competition which is played every two years. We understand the importance of this Cup.” Infantino said.

Until a few years ago, nobody cared that it was played in winter. Now, it has become a problem. Because many African players play in big clubs, which lose them in a highlight of the season.

“If we can reschedule the calendar and make sure an African Nations Cup is played in the big international window in September, rather than January or February, we would have solved a problem for so many leagues that have African players.

“It is part of the process we are talking about. I don’t like to talk about wars or enemies, but about trial. It is important to seek the best solution together.” Suggested FIFA President.


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