Mali Coach on AFCON Schedule Change: "I Wished Love for Africa Would Triumph Over Major Power Pressures"

Mali national team coach Tom Saintfiet expressed his shock and disappointment regarding the decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule to every four years, considering it an affront to the history and identity of African football.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of Mali's match against Morocco in the second round of the AFCON group stage, Saintfiet stated: "I am shocked and disappointed. The first edition of the Africa Cup of Nations was in 1957, and since then, the tournament has been held every two years." He emphasized that AFCON is not merely a competition but an integral part of the continent's footballing history.

The Mali coach added that a large number of African players are active in Europe's biggest clubs, yet they take immense pride in participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. He said: "Many African players play in the biggest clubs, and it is a great honour for them to come and represent their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations."

Saintfiet criticized the parties behind the idea of the change, questioning their true motives. He declared: "I don't understand if this was a request from Africa, or from African players, or from the federations, but it is clear that these are requests from people far from Africa," referring to pressures originating from outside the continent.

The Belgian coach indicated that these decisions primarily serve the interests of major European clubs and FIFA. He added: "We always listen to Europe and change our history for financial reasons, and also due to pressure from clubs, who are looking for suitable dates for new global tournaments."

Saintfiet affirmed that altering a tournament over six decades old constitutes an infringement on the continent's identity. He stated: "We always command respect, and Africans and their identity must be respected, but changing a 68-year-old tournament is unacceptable."

The Mali national team coach concluded his statements with a saddened tone, emphasizing Africa's standing in global football: "Africa is the biggest footballing continent in the world, and there are major stars in Europe who are African. Therefore, I believe there is a lack of respect for Africa, and I wished that the love for Africa would triumph over the pressures of major powers."