The recent unveiling of the winners of the 2023 CAF Awards has sparked considerable discussion and, in some quarters, bewilderment regarding the results and the notable absence of certain figures from the limelight. The spotlight has now turned to Farès Chaïbi, whose absence from the best hopeful category has raised eyebrows and questions about the process.
Exploring the dynamics behind these varied results, it’s evident that the diverse panels responsible for the selections have contributed to the inconsistent outcomes.
While the CAF Technical Commission, journalists, players, and coaches had a say in determining the best goalkeeper, the nomination of the year’s eleven was solely in the hands of professional players via FIFpro.
The glaring omissions and choices in these awards have sparked debate, with Djamel Belmadi, the national coach, expressing concerns about the treatment meted out to Algeria in these selections.
Beyond just voicing concerns about the awards, the Algerian camp finds these decisions increasingly troubling, especially in the lead-up to the upcoming CAN-2023 (January 13 to February 11), a pivotal moment for the national team.
Among the snubs noted, the absence of Farès Chaïbi from contention for the best hopeful trophy stands as a clear example. His exclusion from this prestigious recognition by CAF has not gone unnoticed, raising further questions about the selection process and the factors influencing these decisions.
These occurrences, including the notable absence of Riyad Mahrez from the African Ballon d’Or finalist list and the undervaluation of clubs like USM Alger in the Best Club awards, collectively paint a picture of discontent and skepticism within the Algerian football community regarding the fairness and impartiality of the selection mechanisms employed by CAF.
As African football enthusiasts and experts deliberate these outcomes, attention now turns to the upcoming continental tournament, where the focus remains on both the competition on the field and the transparency and fairness in the processes governing the sport’s recognition and accolades.
