New Congo head coach Claude Le Roy has launched a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing him of prioritising money over football and criticising his reported plans to change the frequency of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Le Roy, who has returned to African football with Congo, strongly opposed the idea of staging the continental showpiece every four years, arguing that such a move would have serious consequences for football development across the continent.
The veteran French coach also questioned the influence of Infantino among African football federation presidents, claiming they have largely supported the FIFA president despite what he described as damaging decisions for African football.
“Infantino never talks about football, he only talks about money,” Le Roy said in a strongly worded statement.
He accused the FIFA president of contributing to the decline of African football infrastructure by reducing the frequency of major competitions.
“It’s against the African continent which has a periodicity of every four years for AFCON. It kills the research on the African continent, it kills the construction of stadiums, of access roads to stadiums, of improvement of living conditions in the countries,” he said.
Le Roy argued that AFCON has historically served as an important development platform for the continent, providing opportunities to improve stadiums, roads and other infrastructure around host nations.
“They suppressed AFCON, it was the only research laboratory on this continent, which was an extraordinary laboratory,” he added.
The 78 year old coach also took aim at the relationship between Infantino and United States President Donald Trump, while expressing his opposition to travelling to the United States for the upcoming World Cup.
Le Roy claimed he had previously rejected an invitation to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, saying he had no interest in becoming part of what he considers a system that is damaging football.
“I will always fight against these people, until my last breath,” he declared.
Despite his criticism of FIFA’s leadership, Le Roy insisted that his position is not motivated by personal ambition. He said he initially rejected the idea of signing a four year contract with Congo, instead preferring a shorter commitment during which he could help develop coaches capable of eventually succeeding him.
“At the beginning I was asked if I wanted to stay four years, I said no way. I will stay two years, and I will train people to replace me later,” he said.
Le Roy, one of the most experienced coaches in African football, has managed several national teams on the continent and has built a reputation for his outspoken views.
His latest comments are likely to fuel the growing debate over the future format and frequency of AFCON, particularly as African football stakeholders weigh the commercial interests of global football against the developmental importance of the continent’s flagship tournament.
For Le Roy, however, the issue goes beyond personal disagreements with Infantino.
“I give my last cartridges with all my passion here,” he said, reaffirming his determination to continue speaking out on issues he believes affect the future of African football.
