English clubs fret over expected absence of top stars
If Cameroon does not take urgent steps to address concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent’s football-governing body could be forced to move the competition to another country.
Cameroon was initially billed to host the competition in 2019, but the country’s failure to meet certain criteria set by CAF forced the body to move it to Egypt. That scenario is playing out again, albeit not as serious as it was in 2019.
Yesterday, CAF’s executive committee revealed they have made some observations to Cameroon that require urgent attention amid speculation the tournament could be postponed or cancelled.
According to express.co.uk, the Organising Committee’s delegation recently travelled to the Central African country to inspect the facilities ahead of the showpiece and there was an element of concern just over two months before the January 9 start date.
Widespread concern – or in some cases, optimism – has emerged in the past day as to whether the tournament is ready to go ahead in January as planned, in light of rumours on social media.
Yet, while the CAF Executive Committee have confirmed they will continue to make checks on Cameroon in the next weeks following a series of issues that ‘require urgent attention’, the tournament looks likely to go ahead barring any late hiccups.
The CAF statement released yesterday read: “The Executive Committee noted the report and the progress made so far. The EXCO emphasised the need to make follow-ups with the Local Organising Committee on the areas that still need some urgent attention ahead of the kick-off on January 9, 2022.
