CAF Hits Back at Platini Over AFCON Ebola Comments
By BBC Sport | Football – Africa
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sharply criticised UEFA president Michel Platini following his recent comments suggesting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) be postponed due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
Platini, speaking in his capacity as head of European football’s governing body, had questioned whether the tournament — scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17 January to 8 February 2015 — should go ahead as planned.
“I too am wondering whether I should attend the congresses of our African friends, a real problem. People’s health is more important,” said the former France international.
CAF responded with a strongly worded statement, accusing UEFA of “interference” and urging it to “respect the sovereignty” of Africa’s football institutions.
In a pointed rebuke, CAF highlighted what it views as a double standard in UEFA’s approach to international crises.
“Despite the risks inherent in the armed conflict in Ukraine — a country where a civilian plane was shot down, killing nearly 300 people — UEFA did not consider it necessary to exclude Ukrainian clubs from its competitions or move matches outside the country,” CAF stated. “Yet when it comes to Africa, the principle of prudence is perfidiously evoked.”
CAF further emphasised that it remains in control of the situation and will evaluate the request made by Morocco — the tournament’s host nation — to postpone the event. A final decision is expected on 2 November.
The confrontation exposes growing tensions between African football leaders and their European counterparts over how global health and security issues are handled. While Ebola has triggered widespread concern — particularly in West Africa — the affected countries are geographically distant from Morocco, which had been preparing to host the event across multiple cities.
CAF has consistently maintained that it will prioritize the safety of players and supporters, but also insists that decisions must come from within the continent’s governing structures, not external influence.
This latest exchange is seen by many observers as a direct snub to Platini, whose remarks have now prompted debate over the role and reach of UEFA in matters concerning other football federations.
