On Sunday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued a scathing statement in response to statements by Italian club Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis about the terms of contracts with African players.
De Laurentiis has said he refuses to re-sign African players unless they sign an agreement to opt out of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is held mid-season every two years.
“CAF is shocked by the irresponsibility and lack of remarks.”
CAF condemned the “unacceptable” comments of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, asking UEFA to launch disciplinary proceedings against him. https://t.co/bHAmmquB4Dpic.twitter.com/RkB5wljMlY
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) August 7, 2022
“We are appalled at the irresponsible and unacceptable statements made by the President of Napoli regarding African players and the African Cup of Nations,” CAF said in a statement.
“We call on UEFA to launch a disciplinary investigation against the President of Napoli,” he added.
He continued: “We are committed to the role that football plays across the continents of the world, bringing together people of all cultures, races and religions. We have no doubt that Napoli and UEFA are as committed to these humanitarian causes as we are.”
And “Kef” asked: “Will the president of Naples impose the same restrictions on the players of South America, Asia and other continents except Africa?”
He continued: “The African Cup of Nations is our main tournament and one of the leading football tournaments in the world. The matches of the last edition were broadcast in more than 160 countries and attracted more than 600 million viewers.”
Notably, the Africa Cup of Nations, usually held every two years in the winter, is what causes European clubs to lose their stars in the middle of the season.
Source: “Agency”