Togolese Football Federation President Faces Backlash During U20 CAN Qualifier
It was a challenging Sunday afternoon for Gabriel Ameyi, the president of the Togolese Football Federation (FTF), during Togo’s second-round match against Morocco in the 2015 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ameyi, who had been attempting to rally the team at halftime after they were trailing, was met with hostility from the home fans, and things only worsened as the match progressed.
After a tense first half, Ameyi made his way back to the stands to offer support and motivation to the Togolese squad. However, his return was met with a barrage of projectiles, boos, and whistles from the frustrated crowd. Despite the harsh reception, the president attempted to continue offering words of encouragement to the team. Yet, his presence only seemed to fuel the anger of the supporters, who view him as the face of the federation’s mismanagement.
Ameyi, who also presides over Maranatha de Fiokpo, a Togolese football club, has come under increasing criticism for his handling of the country’s footballing affairs. In recent months, there has been turmoil within the federation, with two members of the Executive Committee resigning and others boycotting meetings. These ongoing issues have led to a tense and volatile atmosphere, both within the federation and among fans.
The team’s performance on the field only added to the frustration, as Togo suffered a 2-0 defeat to Morocco. The atmosphere at the stadium became increasingly hostile after the match, with the Junior Hawks facing further difficulties as they made their way to the locker room. A police escort was required to protect the players from the angry fans, who continued to throw projectiles in protest.
Ameyi’s experience highlights the growing discontent among Togolese football fans, who feel that their national team’s struggles are a direct result of the federation’s poor leadership and lack of direction. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how the FTF will address the growing unrest within the football community.
