Claude Le Roy directly rebukes FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the decision that delays the release of African players ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The veteran French coach condemns the move and argues that Infantino uses political tactics to maintain influence on the continent while refusing to defend Africa’s interests when it truly matters.
Le Roy insists that the ruling insults African football and sends a damaging message at a crucial moment for the Confederation of African Football as it prepares for the next AFCON tournament.
Le Roy calls the decision a “disgrace” and stresses that it exposes a stark contradiction in Infantino’s discourse.
He highlights how the FIFA president often speaks about helping the Global South but, in his view, shows the opposite through actions that “attack, undermine, and ridicule” Africa when the continent needs full institutional support.
The coach, whose comments surfaced through AFP, accuses Infantino of acting like a friend of Africa only in appearance.
He argues that the decision on player release reflects a deeper pattern of unequal treatment that continues to frustrate African football figures.
Le Roy says the president should use his authority to ensure fair treatment for African competitions instead of relying on symbolic gestures or speeches.
His remarks echo ongoing concerns within African football circles regarding scheduling conflicts, club-country tensions, and the lack of consistent backing from global governing bodies.
As the continent prepares for the 2025 AFCON, Le Roy demands that FIFA show respect through concrete action rather than public declarations.
