Picture: Cameroon FA president Eto’o meets Andre Ayew

Samuel Eto’o who was recently elected as Cameroon FA boss has met Al Sadd and Black Stars captain Andre Ayew in Doha to court support for the AFCON.

European clubs, media and coaches for months have rallied against the premier tournament on the continent.

Samuel Eto’o in a recent interview with Canal+ strongly defended the AFCON and ask why the tournament shouldn’t take place.

“I don’t see why it won’t take place. The Federation in any case that I represent will defend with the last energy the holding of this African Cup. An excuse to postpone it? Which ? If the Euro (2020) was played while we were in the midst of a pandemic, with full stadiums. There were no incidents and we played in several cities in Europe. Why the CAN not be played in Cameroon? Give me only one valid reason. (Silence). Or then we are being told that, as we have always been treated, we are less than nothing so we must endure. Let us be told things clearly […] “,

FIFA president Infantino has also joined the anti AFCON movement, he questioned the schedule of the AFCON and added that the tournament is giving clubs in Europe problems.

“Until a few years ago, no one cared whether the Africa Cup of Nations was played in January or February, more or less,” said Gianni Infantino. Now that is becoming a problem, because in January and February, for many leagues in Europe and other parts of the world where Africans play, it is in the middle of their competitions. And these leagues have to free up the players so they can play in the CAN, which is normal because that’s how the pyramid and the football system are built,” said Gianni Infantino.

In all this CAF boss Motsepe has stated that he will be at the opening ceremony with his family and the LOC in Cameroon has also indicated that the tournament will go ahead as planned.