AFCON 2021: ECA Writes To CAF On Possible Withholding Of Players

Ngome Michael

The European Club Association, ECA has in a two page document addressed to the laid conditions to be fulfilled by national teams in Africa before European clubs will release players for next year’s AFCON.

Dating December 10 2021, ECA advanced three main reasons why clubs might not see their players partake in the incoming international competion.

The statement which completely sidelines players sevices to their National team focuses on the health conditions (relating with Covid-19) of players if they answer internal calls. ECA in the said letter says African FAs have limited health care facilities to enable them meet up with protocols put in place during the pandemic.

According to the association, National Team will have to set strict Covid-19 prevention measures which must tie with those of European Club before players can be released.

“…there cannot be madatory release of players in circumstances when the release period will necessitate players missing vital club matches happening within the set period. Unavailability of players for club activities should not extend the agreed release period, including quarantine and travel restrictions…”, part ECA’s justification.

The association has strongly warned that failure to respect the above health and safety conditions of players by various national teams, clubs will not release players for international duty.

This not the first time European football club are taking advantage of the Covid-19 Pandemic to have direct hand in African football.

Back in March and September 2021, a huge number of African players plying their in europe did e participate in AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifier games due to restrictions from professional clubs.

September WCQ match between Egypt and Angola took place without Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah because Egypt was under UK Covid-19 red zone and the player only joint the team in Gabon.

Concious of the different benefits that come from club football, it is demeaning to prevent players from participating in an international competion organized by a member association of FIFA with professional health practitioners and available facilities in host Country.

Coming at a time lovers of African football foul CAF of not having a say in issues related to African football, it is feared that the decision by clubs to prevent players from participating in the AFCON might be implemented without any protest