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Tag: Confederation of African Football

  • AFCON 2025: CAF condemns final fiasco as AIPS slammed unruly media

    AFCON 2025: CAF condemns final fiasco as AIPS slammed unruly media

     The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a statement condemning the actions and behaviour of players and officials during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday.

    Chaos erupted in second half stoppage-time as Senegalese players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.

    Before the VAR decision was announced, benched players and staff from both teams left their technical areas as arguments began to build. At certain points, both coaches left their technical areas and took to the pitch to confront referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

    In addition, Moroccan player Ismael Saibari, along with Moroccan ball-boys, attempted to steal Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s towel from behind the goal, though it was fiercely defended by reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf.

    What should have been a celebration to bring the continent together turned into a disgraceful showing which certainly brings the game on the continent into disrepute.

     “The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the statement reads.

     “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

    The governing body has opened an investigation into the incidents and will take disciplinary action against those found responsible.

     “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    In a related development, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has condemned the behaviour of some journalists after Sunday’s chaotic African Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

    Videos showed Moroccan journalists walking out as victorious Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw walked into the post-match press conference room holding the hand of his daughter.

    Arguments and scuffles then broke out between Moroccan and Senegalese media and continued before Thiaw walked out.

    “The AIPS Executive Committee strongly condemns the behaviour of colleagues who prevented the post-match press conference of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat from proceeding smoothly on Sunday,” the organisation said in a statement.

    “Our Association cannot accept that certain colleagues could tarnish the dignity of our profession, hence we have asked our colleagues at AIPS Africa for a detailed report on the incident.”

  • Al Abraq fiasco: Motsepe decries  Super Eagles shabby treatment

    Al Abraq fiasco: Motsepe decries  Super Eagles shabby treatment

    CAF to decide Nigeria. Libya fate today

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Dr. Patrice Motsepe  has cautioned  African nations and clubs against the habit of subjecting visiting teams to inhuman treatment by failing to provide adequate transportation, accommodations, or training facilities.

    Speaking yesterday during a media briefing at the CAF 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Motsepe cited  the recent  ill-treatment  meted out to the Super Eagles by their Libyan host  in their  reverse  Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)  fixture  which  was eventually called off after  the Nigerian delegation  was  put  under  lock and key  for over 15 hours at  the  Al Abraq  Airport.

    Motsepe  frowned at lack of sportsmanship  which has resulted in many clubs  and countries resulting to underhand  tactics  against  visiting  teams, adding the continental soccer  ruling body  would no longer condone  such.

    “When there was a problem with the Nigerian national team in Libya. I will not comment on that because there is a proper investigation,” Motsepe stated.  “But I want to emphasize that we will not tolerate because this is something that has been going on for some time.

     “Let me emphasise, forget about the Nigeria and Libya situation because that process of being properly investigated and appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the  CAF Disciplinary Committee  sitting in Addis Ababa today  is expected to rule on the botched   2025 AFCON  fixture between the Mediterranean Knights and the Super Eagles

    Our correspondent gathered  that both the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) and Libya Football Federation(LFF)  have been invited to defend  their actions in the ill-fated match before the committee that is expected to dish out  deserved sanctions  at the end of the proceedings.

      “The Disciplinary Committee is meeting tomorrow morning (today,” a credible NFF source told Nation Sports.“ We have been invited to join them on zoom. We will have three minutes to make presentation, just like the Libyans and the proceedings will be  at 9am Nigerian time.”

    Read Also: Mustapha  backs Eagles for AFCON, World Cup 26  

    Meanwhile, the CAF boss has warned  that appropriate action would be taken against countries which go against CAF rules henceforth .

     “I have heard too many stories of a football club or national team going to a country. You spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents.

     “Apparently, during COVID, they would look at who the best players are from your team and say those 10 players have COVID-19. You tell them that you have just been tested, and they say no, you have COVID.

     “But it’s this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven’t taken effective action. If there are violations of those regulations and rules, we will take action.

     “So, I just want to repeat, we are proud of those nations that treat visiting teams and football clubs with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

     “But also who treat them in the same way that they want to be treated when they visit those clubs. We are reviewing those laws, and we want to emphasise sportsmanship,” he said.

  • Champions League: CAF settles for one legged final, expands AWCON

     

    Indications that Thursday’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Annual General Assembly will embrace new ways of doing business emerged on Wednesday as the Executive body announced changes in management of some competitions on the continent.

    CAF Champions league one of the topmost club competitions whose final was hitherto played on home and away basis will henceforth be a one legged affair to be played on neutral ground.

    The decision is not unconnected with the controversy that trailed this year’s CAF Champions league final between Esperance of Tunisia and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco which is yet to be resolved.

    The Second tear club competition the Confederation Cup final will equally be one legged final to be played a neutral ground.

    Egg heads of the 54 member Confederation believe this will eliminate fracas and ensure that none of the finalists have undue advantage.

    In another development, African Women Cup of Nations which hitherto had 8 teams competing will henceforth feature 12 teams thus offering opportunity for extra four countries to showcase their skills.

    Only eventual champions Nigeria, hosts Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Zambia and Equatorial Guinea participated at the AWCON 2018 which will mark the last time the championship will feature 8 teams.

  • Nations Cup: CAF insists on the best in pre-tournament Ref course

     

    Confederation of African Football (CAF) may have declared operation only the best is good enough at the intensive training for over 56 referees and their assistants in Rabat Morocco ahead of the 2019 Nations cup in Egypt.

    Information emanating for the venue in Rabat indicate that the whistle men and their assistants are being exposed new techniques and approaches all aimed at reducing to the barest minimum mistakes associated with officiating.

    The Video Assistant Referee is also in use at the training as part of the practical component of the course which started on April 28 and is expected to end on Sunday may 5th. Nigeria’s Baba Adel is among the 56-man squad on whose shoulders a lot will depend when the Nations cup gets underway in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.

    It is however not only about training as the officials are also undergoing medical and physical test besides theoretical and practical sessions under the supervision of experienced CAF Instructors.

    Also to be discussed are the amendments to the Laws of the Game, which takes effect Jun 1 2019, and which are expected to the implemented during the championship.

    A blend of youth and experience, Egypt and Tunisia have the biggest number of representatives – five (5), consisting of three referees and two assistant referees.

    The 2019 Nations cup will for the first time feature 24 teams with some analysts predicting that it will be full of fireworks as nations hitherto dubbed underdogs in the round leather game in the continent have risen to the occasion and shown signs of readiness to spring a surprise and give regular winners and more experienced countries a run for their skills.

    Madagascar, Burundi and Mauritania will be making their first appearances in Egypt with analysts warning that teams underrating them as new comers may be doing so at their own risk as the era of minnows in football has since disappeared.

  • CAF Award: Nigeria living on past glory –Peter Ijeh

     

    Sweden based former international Peter Ijeh has declared that Nigeria is living on past glory and will have to change ways of doing things if she is to become a force to be reckoned with again in the round leather game

    His submission is coming barely 24 hours after Confederation of African Football (CAF) rolled out names of winners of the prestigious African Footballer of the year award in both the men and women categories among other awards in Dakar Senegal.

    Although Nigerian players have won the gong combined five times in the men’s category and combined 10 times in the ladies category, Ijeh insists that the country is not making deliberate effort to discover and sustain talents good enough to compete at all levels.

    Since the reign of late Rashidi Yekini according to him, consistency has been a teething problem.” After Rashidi Yekini we have not had a goal machine that can really compete, we have had strikers that come up and fade  and that is because we have not been doing the right thing” he observed

    The former Malmö and IFK Göteborg ace placed the blame on the door steps of the Nigeria football federation insisting that it will take a synergy between the football house and ex-internationals that have something to offer to adequately harness the talents at the disposal of Nigeria at home and in the diaspora.

    “I will blame it on the football federation that is not ready to accommodate input perhaps believing they have monopoly of knowledge. When you call and even write to make contributions they will not even respond, so if you have ideas that can help and they are not ready to hear it there is nothing really you can do,” he said.  Ijeh had earlier predicted that Liverpool forward Mo Salah will retain the award in Senegal.

    The 41 year old who went into coaching after hanging his boot in 2012 boasts of Uefa advanced licensed certificate.

    He made only one appearance for the Super Eagles in 2002.  His invitation to the national team then became inevitable after he emerged highest goal scorer in the Allsvenskan in 2002 with 24 goals.

  • Africa’s best of the year: The winner is, the winners are!

     

    Today is finally here. The best African footballer in both the male and female category will be known tonight in Dakar, Senegal.

    The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will battle for the  title. Interestingly it was the same three players that slugged it out in the 2017 edition with Mohamed Salah emerging victorious and Mane and Aubameyang finishing in the 2nd and third places respectively.

    Should Salah who has scored a record 45 goals for his club Liverpool in 57 appearances win it again, he would have clinched it back to back. Should it go the way of Aubameyang the Arsenal forward would also have clinched the title twice haven  emerging victorious in the 2015 edition.

    He has remained in the top three since 2014. As for home boy Sadio Mane It is the second time he will be making the top three lists.  He finished third in the 2016 edition and 2nd in the last edition and with the event holding at home it will be icing on the cake for the Senegal international should he finish first this time. Although all the African countries to the last world cup in Russia crashed out in the group stage, Senegal came quite close to crossing the bridge with Mane quiet effective in their effort scoring in the 2-2 draw against Japan.

    In the ladies category Nigeria international and Dalian Quanjian of China forward Assisat Oshoala will be hoping to clinch the title for the 4th time after winning in 2014, 2016 and 2017.

    Should he succeed in realising her dream she would have equaled the record of Perpetual Nkwocha who claimed the gong four times. Also in contention is Francisca Ordega who contributed immensely to Super Falcons emergence as African Champions for the 9th time.

    The two Nigerian ladies will however hope to survive the challenge posed by South Africa’s Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana. Kgatlana, 22, was the star of the last AWCON, scooping the Most Valuable Player and Top scorer accolades as Banyana Banyana reached the final. Her second nomination at this level and hoping to become the second South African after Noko Matlou (2008) to be crowned ‘Queen’ of African football.

    Others that will be recognised today include Youth Player of the Year, Men’s Coach of the Year, Women’s Coach of the Year, Men’s National Team of the Year, Women’s National Team of the Year, Goal of the Year, Africa Finest XI, Ydnekatchew Tessema Trophy for the Federation President of the Year and Platinum Award At least 1,250 guests are expected at the event that will be beamed live from Dakar.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CAF team inspect Enyimba stadium ahead of international competitions

    A delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ]have visited Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State where they inspected the readiness of the newly installed artificial turf and other facilities at the refurbished Enyimba International Football Club’s Stadium as the club sets to play its remaining CAF and other league games at their home ground.

    Recall that for about two years, Enyimba Int’l FC have been playing their local and international competitions outside their home turf due to the ongoing repair work being carried out by the state government at the stadium, but with the completion of work, it is expected that the Aba darling team would return to enjoy the support of the fans who have missed them over the years.

    Since the state announced the completion of work in the stadium, Aba residents and Enyimba supporters are expecting that the city would host the last Group-C match of the CAF Confederation Cup between Enyimba and CARA Brazzaville of Congo scheduled for Wednesday 29th August 24, 2018.

    Speaking to newsmen after the inspection, the Chairman of Enyimba, Felix Anyasi Agwu said he is delighted with what that is already in place and stressed that he is hopeful that CAF will give their approval as according to him, it is difficult for anyone not to be impressed with the facilities already in place at the stadium.

    He said: “It is difficult for me to really define what their true assessment should be. I believe the inspectors from CAF are impressed with work done so far. They will report it to CAF and it will be left for CAF to have the final say. I don’t know what they will write in their reports or what is in their minds in terms of their true impression. Be that as it may, I think it is difficult for anyone to come here without been impressed with the facilities here.

    “So, in my opinion I think they have seen the level of work, they will write their reports and we have to wait for that we shouldn’t be in a hurry for that. We will keep praying that CAF will give us their final approval for that particular match that we want to play here in few days time. All the facilities are ready. All we are doing as they have seen is putting finishing touches on things. They have seen it all and they know that if they give us approval, the match next week will be played here.

    Read Also: Enyimba set for return to Aba Stadium

    “Between today and tomorrow almost all the areas would have being in place. They went through a lot today. They have seen the dressing room, the toilet, the doping room, match commissioner’s room, the media stand, the referees’ room, and the flood lights which they said they want to make sure they are on obviously in that area work is still on there and they saw the engineers working on it.

    “Aside the world standard pitch, other facilities must be available and to some extent, I can say it is 98 percent ready and if something is ready at that percent and you still have time to get it at the required 100 percent then, it must be done because it must be 100 percent ready.

    “Everything that is needed was painstakingly looked at.  I cannot speak for CAF because I am not CAF, but I am hopeful, this is our stadium and I will always that we are encouraged by CAF since we have come so far. The inspector just left now and we are hoping by tomorrow we might get some answers from CAF. Enyimba will play its match on the 29th. This is a CAF competition and the dates have never changed.

    “The government has done a lot here and the opening of the stadium is left is their hands, but to me the real opening in football sense is if we get approval to play the match on Wednesday. That does not take away any other plan from the government who are the custodian.”

    Meanwhile, Aba fans would on Sunday (tomorrow) have the opportunity to watch Ex- ENYIMBA FC players play against Ex-Super Eagles players at the stadium.

    According to sources, stars like Bob Osim, Emeka Nwana (Ayaya), Ogbonaya Okemiri, Obinna Nwaneri, Ndidi Anumudu, Uga Opara, Chidozie Johnson, Muri Ogunbiyi and among other Enyimba players are expected to play against ex super eagles team that would comprise of Pastor Taribo West, Ike Shorumu, Victor Agali, Victor Ikpeba, Uche Okechukwu (Gentle Giant), Daniel Amokachi (The Bull), Samson Siasia, Mutiu Adepoju

  • CAF scraps award for home-based Players

    CAF scraps award for home-based Players

    The hope of African footballers who ply their trades not outside the shores of the continent have been dashed as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Wednesday Scrapped the award for their category.
    The decision to scrap the Africa-based Player award came just as the stage has already been set for the 2017 edition of CAF Award in Ghana.
    CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, in a pre-award night presser, declared the category had been scrapped because there could not be any other best or “ two levels of football in Africa.”
    Nigeria’s Junior Ajayi – the only Nigerian on the list – was in the running list for this year’s “home-based” award, but, with this development, he could solemnly ditched whatever hopes he nursed for an honour.
    In the words of Ahmad: “There are no two levels of football in Africa. Best is best, not best for the bad or best for the best. That’s the reason.”
    He added: “It’s very simple – we want to promote African football.”
    The governing body of African Football had introduced the category in order to balance out what it realised was a lopsided yet more illustrious African Player of the Year award i.e having the AFCON and CHAN.
    However, it is not clear if the decision enjoyed a consensus in Ahmad’s power bloc.
    But, before bed time there will be an answer to the question of who would be the next African football king?
    In the race for the crown are; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon, Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Sadio Mane (Senegal).
    The CAF Award for footballer of the year comes up in Accra, Ghana on Thursday.

  • CAF: List of African Player of the Year, home and away

    CAF: List of African Player of the Year, home and away

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday published the 30 most outstanding players in Africa in the last one year.

    The list which was published on CAF official website includes players nominated for African Player of the Year – Based in Africa 2017.

    The List:

    1. Ali Maaloul (Tunisia & Al Ahly)
    2. Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso & Lyon)
    3. Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo & Villareal)
    4. Christian Atsu (Ghana & Newcastle)

       Related: Victor Moses, Troost-Ekong Named for CAF Award

    5. Christian Bassogog (Cameroon & Henan Jianye)
    6. Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
    7. Eric Bailly (Cote d’Ivoire & Manchester United)
    8. Essam El Hadary (Egypt & Al Taawoun)
    9. Fabrice Ondoa (Cameroon & Sevilla)
    10. Fackson Kapumbu (Zambia & Zesco)
    11. Jean Michel Seri (Cote d’Ivoire & Nice)
    12. Junior Kabananga (DR Congo & Astana)
    13. Karim El Ahmadi (Morocco & Feyenoord)
    14. Keita Balde (Senegal & Monaco)
    15. Khalid Boutaib (Morocco & Yeni Malatyaspor)
    16. Mbwana Samata (Tanzania & Genk)
    17. Michael Olunga (Kenya & Girona)
    18. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
    19. Moussa Marega (Mali & Porto)
    20. Naby Keita (Guinea & RB Leipzig)
    21. Percy Tau (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
    22. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund)
    23. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
    24. Thomas Partey (Ghana & Atletico Madrid)
    25. Victor Moses (Nigeria & Chelsea)
    26. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon & Porto)
    27. William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria & Bursaspor)
    28. Yacine Brahimi (Algeria & Porto)
    29. Youssef Msakni (Tunisia & Al Duhail)
    30. Yves Bissouma (Mali & Lille)

    African Player of the Year – Based in Africa

    1. Achraf Bencharki (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
    2. Ahmed Fathi (Egypt & Al Ahly)
    3. Alkhaly Bangoura (Guinea & Etoile du Sahel)
    4. Ali Maaloul (Tunisia & Al Ahly)
    5. Aristide Bance (Burkina Faso & Al Masry)
    6. Ayman Majid (Morocco & FUS Rabat)
    7. Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel)
    8. Ben Malango (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)
    9. Dean Furman (South Africa & Supersport United)
    10. Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
    11. Elsamani Saadeldin (Sudan & Al Merreikh)
    12. Fackson Kapumbu (Zambia & Zesco)
    13. Fawzi Chaouchi (Algeria & MC Alger)
    14. Geoffrey Serunkuma (Uganda & KCCA)
    15. Jeremy Brockie (New Zealand & Supersport)
    16. Junior Ajayi (Nigeria & Al Ahly)
    17. Karim Aouadhi (Tunisia & CS Sfaxien)
    18. Mohamed Meftah (Algeria & USM Alger)
    19. Mohamed Ounnajem (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
    20. Muaid Ellafi (Libya & Ahly Tripoli)
    21. Nasr Eldin Ahmed (Sudan & Hilal Obeid)
    22. Oussama Darfalou (Algeria & USM Alger)
    23. Percy Tau (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
    24. Sabelo Ndzinisa (Swaziland & Mbabane Swallows)
    25. Saber Khalifa (Tunisia & Club Africain)
    26. Saladin Said (Ethiopia & Saint George)
    27. Sylvain Gbohouo (Cote d’Ivoire & TP Mazembe)
    28. Tady Etekiama (DR Congo & AS Vita)
    29. Taha Yassine Khenissi (Tunisia & Esperance)
    30. Tarek Hamed (Egypt & Zamalek)

  • CAF dedicates section of website to AFCON

    CAF dedicates section of website to AFCON

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have dedicated a section of the body’s website  for the tournament.

    CAF said on the website on Wednesday that the section was to allow fans to receive detailed information about the competition.

    The 29th edition of the continent’s premier soccer tournament will begin on Saturday in South Africa  with 16 teams participating.

    “This section, which is also reachable through the URL address, www.afcon2013.net, has been fully synchronised with the following Orange AFCON 2013 social networks.

    “They are facebook.com/africacupofnationsofficial, twitter.com/cafonline and youtube.com/africacupofnations,’’ it said.

    CAF also said  the first 10 people to join these social networks would be given two Category Two tickets each to watch a group stage match of their choice.

    This provides that they will be in South Africa during the tournament. (NAN)