AFCON 2019. Government Fires back at CAF
In a press brief, the government spokesman reveals Cameroons dismay to CAF’s unjust decision of withdrawing the hosting of the 2019 African Cup of Nations from Cameroon.
Cynthia EFOPA
Cameroon, November 30th, 2018, past midday, all the ears of Cameroonians was tilted towards Accra, the capital city of Ghana where the executive meeting of the African Football Confederation was unfolding to decide on the hosting of the 2019 African Cup of Nations. By 6pm of the same day, the verdict was clear, after prolonged discussions for and against, and intense suspicions on social media, the President of the African Football Confederation, Ahmad Ahmad finally settled the dust in no welcoming terms. Cameroons hosting right was withdrawn. Cameroonians think the reasons outlined are unjust. The decision left the Cameroon people in total surprise and sadness taking into consideration efforts made by the Cameroon government to put all hands-on deck to get projects that are related to the organization completed on time.
In reaction to this decision of the Confederation of African Football, the Cameroon Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary in a press brief explained that the Republic of Cameroon has taken note with consternation of the decision taken by the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee to withdraw the hosting of the 2019 AFCON from Cameroon. He declared that the decision which is surprising to Cameroonians for more than one reason is certainly unfair with regard to the huge investments made by Cameroon which has led to outstanding modern infrastructures as witnessed by all. He voiced that Cameroon do not merit such a decision considering the resolve of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, and the people of Cameroon to make all-out effort to host a remarkable celebration of African Football in 2019.
In the phase of this unmerited and unjust decision, which is looked upon by the Cameron people as injustice, the government spokesperson called on all Cameroonians to remain calm and not to indulge into futile arguments. For Cameroon has put in a credible performance and shall prove it to the entire world by completing with the same determination and on time the construction of these modern infrastructures that belong to the Cameroonian people.
He however regrets that African Football would not match the exploits of other better performing continents in the absence of an ethical conduct. That notwithstanding, he outlined that Cameroon has written the pages of African football in bold letters and will not relent its efforts in working with other African countries and international football bodies to develop football in Africa.
