Discomfort before the CAF General Assembly

Published: 11/03/2021 – 23:56

From our Special Correspondent in Rabat‌,

Patrice Motsep smiled broadly, his anti-Kovid mask under his chin. South Africa laughs through the Sofitel lobby at Hotel Rabat, where the 43rd General Assembly (GA) of the African Football Confederation (CAF) takes place. Two days before his election to the CAF presidency on March 12, 2021, the billionaire is already following the real court. Shortly afterwards, we saw him eating with his close guard, especially Danny Jordan of South Africa, Amaju Pinnick of Nigeria and Philip Chiangwa of Zimbabwe.

The next day, he went to an official dinner with Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).

Patrice Motsep’s good sense of humor and relaxation, however, is in stark contrast to the uncomfortable look hanging in front of this GA.

“It’s Comedy”

Of course, there is no shortage of tensions: CAF Ahmed’s outgoing president has had his suspension reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to 2 years, but cannot stand a second time. The interim manager, Constant Omari, is under investigation by the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) and has not been allowed to run for a new position on the FIFA Council.

Above all, the withdrawal of three of Motsep’s rivals, Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Senegal’s Augustine Sengore and Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya, gives this election a surreal dimension. When we move towards the most open ballot in CAF history, three West Africans are in the back row of South Africa. Officially one of the best benefits of continental football. ” This is comedy », Sighed the CAF leader over the anonymous situation.

Meeting in Morocco in late February to discuss possible convergence, Anoma, Sengor and Yahya were all shocked to learn of Motsep’s presence. FIFA representatives also attended. Converging sources indicate. None of them happily accepted it. “ Rabat compromised ”, Sengor Wanted 1st Vice President of CAF, 2nd Yahya, and Anoma, Special Adviser to Motsep.

An existing observer ” Simulation of democracy . « It was a triumph of the crown », Quips is a journalist.

“Patrice Motsap meets expectations”

Many are worried about the financial weakness of the company, which has been weakened by four years of costly maintenance and one year of Kovid-19. CAF’s reserves have melted and Patrice Motsep has to bring back sponsors and partners thanks to his address book. ” I believe he will be up to work », Defense Moss Family. The Congolese businessman, the owner of Tout Pusant Majembe, has known Motsep for many years. ” He’s a good manager, don’t underestimate him. I support him because I know there will be a change with him .

A federal president wonders: Does the (future) new owner of African football really have time to assume his responsibilities at CAF? The Confederation Executive invites you to give the entrepreneur a chance. He’s there to give. ” New course For African football, he reassures us.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not hide his satisfaction before the General Assembly. ” The atmosphere here in Rabat is good and it will definitely serve the Congress well (sic) CAF, Enjoyed when he came to Morocco. It is the Congress that is placed under the symbol of the unity and future of African football. “. A few hours later, the world football boss went to play a match for fun. Because, behind the scenes, the game was already folded.

Moss Family Words, Collected by Oliver Prawn