Hossam Hassan Criticizes Four-Year AFCON Cycle, Calls for Respect for African Football
Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan expressed his strong rejection of the decision to organize the Africa Cup of Nations every four years instead of every two, asserting that the decision does not serve the interests of African football nor does it respect the rights of players and national teams on the continent.
Speaking at the press conference following Egypt's 0-0 draw with Angola, Hossam Hassan said: "If it were done for the benefit of African football, I would say I agree, but I do not feel that this decision serves the interest of African football."
"As an Egyptian African player, I believe that tournaments should be separate from European club conditions. There must be a strong stance from national teams and the African Football Confederation (CAF)," the Egypt coach added. "Firstly, the tournament is being played, and currently the whole world is celebrating the New Year. People are with their families and children, even in European clubs."
He continued: "Today, you are forcing African national teams and African players to play during New Year celebrations, and it is impossible for the same thing to happen with European national teams or clubs, because you take into account the social circumstances of every player, coach, and staff member."
He further stated: "There must be respect for everyone, for all national teams in the world. We are under the umbrella of FIFA, but it is CAF that must defend this issue. It must work on conditions that suit African national teams and the rights of players and technical staff."
Hossam Hassan emphasized: "I am not satisfied with the organization of the Africa Cup of Nations every four years. European clubs do not want to release their African players, so they worked on that. Can you change the conditions of the European Championship? No."
He concluded: "I am not speaking as Hossam Hassan, Egypt's coach; I am speaking as an African Egyptian player. There must be respect for African football, and for the circumstances of African fans, players, and national teams."
