“Africa Deserves Better”: Hossam Hassan Slams CAF Over AFCON Schedule Changes Egyptian football legend and current national team coach Hossam Hassan has ignited a firestorm of debate across the continent following a scathing critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Hassan, a man whose name is synonymous with African footballing excellence, expressed his deep frustration with recent discussions surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule. He argued passionately that shifting the tournament’s frequency or timing is a move designed to appease European clubs rather than to foster the growth of the game within Africa.
In a statement that has resonated with fans from Cairo to Cape Town, Hassan did not mince words. “Organising the AFCON every four years does nothing for African football—it’s a decision made to suit Europe,” he declared. The Egyptian icon emphasized his identity and pride, stating, “I am Egyptian and proud to be African.
Africa deserves better.” His defiance highlights a growing rift between those who prioritize the global football calendar and those who believe Africa’s premier competition must maintain its traditional biennial heartbeat. The core of Hassan’s argument centers on footballing sovereignty and development. Traditionally held every two years, the AFCON has served as a vital platform for scouting talent and improving national team chemistry.
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Hassan suggests that such changes are being pushed primarily to solve the “club versus country” conflict faced by European teams, who often lose their African stars during the peak of their domestic seasons. For Hassan, this is an issue of respect. He believes that the continent should not be forced to compromise the heritage of its most beloved tournament to accommodate leagues on a different continent.
His stance reflects a broader sentiment among African football purists who feel that CAF has become too accommodating to external pressures. As the debate continues to rage, Hassan’s words serve as a powerful reminder that the soul of African football belongs to its people, and its future should be decided on its own terms.
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