African footballers have repeatedly come into conflict with their own football authorities, as Samuel Eto’o pointed out recently. “The only problem in Africa is our leaders, who do not respect us. Until we are respected, other (continents) will never have any consideration for us,” He told the Confederation of African Football. Eto’o was barred from the national team for instigating a boycott over unpaid bonuses two years ago. The Cameroon team also refused to board a plane this year because of a bonus dispute. Weah, the only African player to win World, European and African Footballer of the Year awards, agrees that the governing of the sport needs an overhaul. “Former players govern European football while those without passion or knowledge of the game rule in Africa. Footballers rather than officials should travel business class on flights because they are the ones going to play,” he said. Others, like Bosnia-born Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic, suggest that a combination of political influence as well as socio-economic environment adds to Africa’s struggles. Halilhodzic believes that because of the desire to want to play in Europe, many African players often forget their team. - Antoinette Muller -The Guardian
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 18:46:41 +0000
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