Popular journalist Austin Okon-Akpan has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to be fined for failing to prevent the fallout witnessed during the final of the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on 91 Sports, a sports programme aired on Adamimogo 93.1 FM, Okon-Akpan said CAF should have addressed the lapses that fueled tension before the final match. According to him, stern warnings to match officials and fans ahead of the game could have helped avert the incident.
Despite the criticism, Okon-Akpan praised CAF for its swift disciplinary response, noting that the quick action has helped restore confidence in the body’s ability to manage its internal affairs.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian journalist Michael Boadu urged CAF to build on the disciplinary measures by enforcing outright sanctions on individuals involved in physical altercations during the match.
CAF has since handed down bans to Senegalese and Moroccan players for unsportsmanlike conduct. The sanctions, however, will not affect the players’ preparations for the World Cup, as the bans apply strictly to CAF competitions.
