CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, has said the football governing body has decided against the cancellation or postponement of the 2021 AFCON
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) dismissed the call for the cancellation or postponement of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, made this known to reporters yesterday while insisting the competition can be a source of healing in Cameroon after the incident.
There were calls for the tournament to be discontinued after the deadly stadium stampede at the Stade d’Olembe on Monday, which killed at least eight people and left over 40 injured.
ALSO READ: Sadio Mane scores as Senegal dispatch 9 man Cape Verde
According to the CAF President, after consultations with stakeholders, they decided against the cancellation of the tournament, however, a moment of silence will be observed in honour of the dead.
He went on to say his visit to those injured revealed that they do not want the competition to end, as some of them assured him they will be back at the stadia once they are discharged from the hospital.
He said, “The issue was whether we should postpone [Tuesday’s] matches, and it’s an important question.
“From my side, I cannot just consult, but also listen to the guidance of various stakeholders.
“The conclusion was that we should observe a moment of silence, and with regards to [Tuesday’s] matches, it was an issue to discuss and consider
“However, it’s incredible how, even among those who are injured, two said to me that they can’t wait to get out of hospital and go to the stadium.
“I’ve seen the passion, the absolute passion of the people of Cameroon and their love for football; it brings people together, and the passion for football in this country is entrenched and deep-rooted,”