Sports News of Friday, 28 July 2017
Source: citifmonline.com
2017-07-28
Kwesi Nyantakyi
President of the Ghana Football Association Kwesi Nyantakyi has backed the Confederation of African Football’s decision to expand the AFCON to 24 teams and changing the timing of the competition from January/February to June /July.
CAF last week passed both proposals at a two day symposium which saw 55 top CAF officials gather in Rabat.
The reviews received an array of mixed reactions across the phase of the continent, with many concerned with how the seemingly large number of teams would affect the tournament format.
Nyantakyi however insists the changes will not only boost the marketability of the tournament, but also provide more countries with the opportunity to make an appearance at the continent’s showpiece event.
“I think it’s a response to several years of calls for change. The main point is that it’ll enhance participation because more countries will have the opportunity to play,” he said.
“Also many African players who didn’t have the opportunity to play because their clubs in Europe were not willing to release them will be given a chance to do so, so it’ll promote football in Africa.”
The changes are due to take effect in the 2019 edition to be held in Cameroon.
