Hugo Broos unimpressed with FIFA's AFCON decision | OneFootball

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Broos condems FIFA decision on AFCON

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/ BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has voiced his displeasure with the world football governing body, FIFA, for delaying the release of international players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tournament will kickstart on 21 December in Morocco and all clubs were obliged to release players on 08 December, but FIFA changed the date to 15 December in the eleventh hour.

Broos believes this is clear sign of disrespect for African football as some nations won't have ample time to conduct a proper training camp, accusing European clubs of influencing FIFA's decision.

“In the beginning the 8th of December was the releasing date for players but for some reason FIFA changed it to the 15th. So, that means players that are playing abroad cannot be with the national team before the 15th,” said the Belgian mentor.

"I'm wondering what countries like Morocco, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Mali, who have only players who play abroad - what they are going to do. So, they have their players next week, the 15th, and for Morocco, six days later they play their opening game.

"That means again what FIFA thinks about CAF and Africa. But I'm sure that they have been pressured by the European clubs to change that date, so that's the reason why [Siyabonga] Ngezana, [Shandre] Campbell, Lyle Foster, and [Sphephelo] Sithole are not here.

While he takes issue with the decision makers, the veteran tactician says he is better off compared to his counterparts who lead nations with a plethora of exports.

“But I'm happy to be coach of a country that has the majority of local players, otherwise you can't start a camp, you have to start it next week. So, I don't think that my colleagues in other countries will be so happy in the moment,” Broos added.

Bafana have been drawn in Group B alongside neighbors Zimbabwe, record seven-time African champions Egypt, and Angola, whom they face in their curtain raiser on 22 December.