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Mali coach Tom Saintfiet on Thursday railed against the decision to play the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of two, insisting the move was forced upon the continent by FIFA and European clubs motivated by money.
“I am very shocked with it and very disappointed. It is the pride of African football, with the best players in African football,” the Belgian told reporters in Rabat ahead of Friday’s AFCON clash between Mali and Morocco.
“To take it away and make it every four years, I could understand if it was a request for any reason from Africa, but it is all instructed by the big people from (European governing body) UEFA, the big clubs in Europe and also FIFA and that makes it so sad.”
Saintfiet, 52, has managed numerous African national teams, including Gambia, which he led to the quarter-finals of the 2022 Cup of Nations. Mali appointed him in August last year and on Friday will lead them out against the current AFCON hosts in a key Group A game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Cup of Nations has almost always been held every two years since the first edition in 1957, but Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe last weekend announced that the tournament would go ahead every four years after a planned 2028 edition.
“Africa is the biggest football continent in the world, all the big stars in Europe are Africans, so I think we disrespect (Africa) by going every four years.” He added.
