Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football over its decision to reschedule the Africa Cup of Nations.
Saintfiet described the move as one driven by external forces, claiming it was influenced by FIFA, UEFA and major European clubs rather than African interests.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced last weekend that the AFCON would be transformed from a biennial competition into a tournament held every four years. The announcement has sparked widespread debate and divided opinion across the continent.
Reacting to the development, Saintfiet said the decision does not serve African football and undermines the continent’s identity.
“I’m shocked with it, very disappointed,” he told ESPN.
“It’s all instructed by the big people in UEFA, the big clubs from the five leagues, and also by FIFA…and that makes me so sad.
“We fight so long to get respected in Africa, for African people and Africa’s own identity to get respected, but then to listen to Europe to change your history, a 68-year history, for financial reasons…I think we disrespect [Africa] by going to four years.
“I’m sad about that, and I hope the love for Africa would win out over the pressure of Europe.”
