Sports News of Friday, 21 July 2017
Source: citifmonline.com
2017-07-21
Abedi Pele
Ghanaian football legend Abedi believes the time has come for decision makers of football on the continent to demonstrate wisdom and courage as they seek to chart a path for the game following a two day CAF symposium in Rabat.
The Confederation of African Football following several deliberations have put forth a number of recommendations, outstanding among them being the expansion of the African Cup of Nations from 16 to 24 teams while opening hosting rights up to non-African nations.
The possibility of also moving the time of the tournament from the January window to the June window was also discussed with Qatar and the United States highlighted as the two possible nations that could pilot the hosting of the 2023 edition.
The three-time African footballer of the year hinted that decisions that might seem difficult and unpopular may have to be taken, all for the benefit of the development of the Sport.
“These are issues which are very important to the continent. “We must be able to stand up and decide.
“We must take certain bold decisions because they will affect our children,” he told CGTN in far away Rabat.
All recommendations put forth, however, are subject to approval by CAF’s executive committee even though definite timelines were not given.
