The Confederation of African Football (CAF) seized an opportunity to critique UEFA following severe weather conditions that disrupted the Euro 2024 match between Turkey and Georgia at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park. Heavy rain and waterfalls cascading from the stadium roof forced fans to vacate certain areas just an hour before the game commenced.
Footage showing water pouring through the roof of the iconic stadium quickly spread across social media, leading to widespread commentary comparing the European Championship to the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The sight of fans scrambling for cover and the stadium’s apparent inability to cope with the downpour sparked a flurry of reactions online.
Amid the social media frenzy, a CAF social media administrator added fuel to the fire by posting images of one of the pristine AFCON 2023 stadiums.
The post was captioned: “Hosting big tournaments the correct way,” a clear jab at UEFA’s handling of the situation in Dortmund.
This post garnered a significant amount of attention, with fans flooding the comments section.
Many echoed the sentiment that the 2023 AFCON had set a higher standard for tournament organization compared to the current European Championship.
Some users went as far as to claim that the hype and quality of the AFCON were surpassing those of Euro 2024.
💧 The Old Trafford waterfall has gone AWOL and appeared at the Turkey/Georgia game in Dortmund…
📹 @tariqpanja | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/5IZkgUHao4
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) June 18, 2024
The incident highlighted not only the unpredictable nature of outdoor sporting events but also the competitive spirit between football governing bodies.
CAF’s quick response to the situation demonstrated a willingness to capitalize on UEFA’s misfortunes to bolster its own reputation.
While the weather-related issues at Signal Iduna Park were resolved before causing any significant delay to the match, the event left a lasting impression on fans and commentators alike.
It raised questions about infrastructure preparedness and the capacity of even the most famous stadiums to handle extreme weather conditions.
The playful yet pointed dig from CAF reflects a broader narrative within international football where federations strive to showcase their organizational prowess.
By highlighting the apparent flaws in UEFA’s event management, CAF not only defended its own record but also engaged in the global discourse on the best practices for hosting major tournaments.
As the European Championship progresses, the comparisons between Euro 2024 and AFCON 2023 will likely continue, with fans and officials scrutinizing every detail.
This incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense scrutiny that accompany the hosting of international sporting events.
Ultimately, while UEFA focuses on ensuring the smooth continuation of Euro 2024, CAF’s well-timed social media post will remain a talking point, emphasizing the ever-present rivalry and the quest for excellence in global football administration.
Hosting big tournaments the correct way. 🤩🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/a4TNDPHRC7
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 18, 2024
