• News

AFCON: Samuel Eto’o reacts to postponement calls

Getty Images
Advertisement

The football legend believes the tournament must take place according to its original schedule.

Earlier this month, Samuel Eto’o became the new president of the Cameroonian Football Federation. The former Barcelona star is now facing his first challenge in charge of Cameroonian football. The country is host to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in January. However, several sources have reported the CAF will most likely postpone the tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly backing the idea of postponing the tournament. However, Eto’o says he does not see enough reasons to justify a postponement.

“I do not see a convincing reason to postpone the Africa Cup of Nations, the Euro was played during the pandemic with full stadiums,” Eto’o said (via KingFut).

“They played in many cities in Europe, so why shouldn’t we play in Cameroon? If some think we should postpone the tournament, they need to give a good reason.”

Earlier this month, CAF president Véron Mosengo-Omba said the confederation is trying its best to avoid a postponement. 

He said: “The meetings were important in getting a level of understanding on the state of readiness in Cameroon,

“There is a lot of work that is being done. We have to continue with the same momentum and We cannot rest. We have to work around the clock.

“I’m not resting, the LOC [Local Organising Committee] cannot rest. CAF cannot rest. Everyone must join the efforts. We want to see a great TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations here in Cameroon in January next year.

“Together with the Minister of Sport, we discussed all the pending issues and the way forward.”

x