tag:theconversation.com,2011:/africa/topics/caf-63681/articlesCAF – The Conversation2023-06-19T19:56:21Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2071962023-06-19T19:56:21Z2023-06-19T19:56:21ZChronic sexual misconduct in Canada’s military is a national security threat<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532270/original/file-20230615-15-uazzaw.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C15%2C5042%2C3026&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Defence Minister Anita Anand and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre take questions from the media in January 2023 in Ottawa. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source"> THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-taking-canadas-armed-forces-so-long-to-tackle-sexual-misconduct-196869">has a serious problem when it comes to sexual violence</a>.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-special-forces-leaders-warned-about-untouchable-soldiers-who-have-escaped-punishment-for-wrongdoing/wcm/0c9056dd-7498-46b3-a6a5-bd2b88caf774/amp/">a recent report</a>, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), an elite branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, has exposed a troubling culture of reticence and double standards when it comes to addressing misconduct. </p>
<p>According to internal reviews conducted for senior leadership, certain elite groups within the command enjoy immunity, are shielded from accountability and are protected from the consequences of serious issues of misconduct. </p>
<p>Take for example the <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-sexual-assault-1.6004040">sexual assault conviction of Maj. Jonathan Hamilton</a> involving retired Logistics Officer Annalise Schamuhn, the wife of retired special forces Maj. Kevin Schamuhn, who both had the courage to speak publicly about their story.</p>
<p>A judge found Hamilton guilty on six criminal counts in 2017, including unlawfully entering the Schamuhn residence and sexually assaulting Annalise Schamuhn on two separate occasions. Prior to sentencing, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dawe, a deputy commander in Kevin Schamuhn’s chain of command, submitted letters to the court in support of Hamilton.</p>
<p>In a CBC interview, Kevin Schamuhn said that when he confronted Dawe about it, Dawe admitted wanting to influence Hamilton’s sentence because he believed Hamilton was a “good guy” who deserved leniency. </p>
<p>When news of Dawe’s actions came to light four years later, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/special-forces-commander-on-leave-1.6011036">he was relieved of his command</a> and placed on paid leave.</p>
<p>But not long after, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/peter-dawe-sexual-misconduct-review-1.6199670">Dawe was quietly reinstated</a> and appointed to help lead the CAF response to sexual misconduct reviews, further calling into question the integrity of the CAF complaint process and eroding trust within the ranks.</p>
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<img alt="A man in a beige beret and military uniform speaks into a microphone." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532274/original/file-20230615-19-cgg175.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Incoming commander of CANSOFCOM, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dawe, speaks at a Canadian Special Operations Forces Command change of command ceremony in Ottawa in April 2018.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle</span></span>
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<h2>Untouchable soldiers</h2>
<p>It’s clear from this case and others that <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-special-forces-leaders-warned-about-untouchable-soldiers-who-have-escaped-punishment-for-wrongdoing">CANSOFCOM promotes a repressive culture</a> whereby the offender is often supported while the victim is forgotten or blamed.</p>
<p>Speaking up against injustice in the CAF can lead to harsh repercussions, producing an environment of secrets, stagnation and continuing consequences. CANSOFCOM’s mission statement includes <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/special-operations-forces-command/corporate/cansofcom-command-culture-statement.html">the “relentless pursuit of excellence</a>” but that doesn’t seem to apply when it comes to workplace violence.</p>
<p>This toxic culture is a longstanding problem. The Canadian government set aside approximately $800 million in 2019 to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/18/world/canada/military-sexual-misconduct-class-action.html">resolve class-action sexual assault lawsuits</a> launched by serving and retired military personnel. In fact, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sexual-misconduct-military-survey-1.3868377">more than a quarter of female members</a> in the CAF have reported sexual assault. </p>
<p>The CAF’s inability to exercise effective leadership and maintain focus is a serious obstacle to bringing about lasting change. </p>
<p>Defence Minister Anita Anand has pledged to <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/anita-anand-arbour-justice-1.6236969">“take on” bad behaviour</a>, but it’s clear that promise has yet to be fulfilled. In 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the “<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/military-doesnt-get-it-sexual-misconduct-1.6201648">CAF just doesn’t get it</a>” when it comes to sexual misconduct in its ranks, but he has since been mute on the subject. </p>
<p>Cultural improvements have yet to be achieved, even after <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/conduct-and-culture/sexual-misconduct-apology.html">Anand’s 2022 public apology</a> to a CAF member over abuse in the ranks, the transfer of sexual misconduct cases to civilian tribunals and the creation of the CAF’s Sexual Misconduct Response Centre and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/operation-honour-dnd-military-brewster-1.5779927">Operation HONOUR</a> that aims to combat sexual misconduct. That initiative still appears to be struggling to execute its mission.</p>
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<img alt="A woman in a red coat with dark hair is seen from behind as she waves at a patrol ship in a harbour." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=439&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=439&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=439&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/458718/original/file-20220419-20-2cebpo.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Defence Minister Anita Anand waves as HMCS Halifax departs Halifax in support of NATO in eastern Europe in March 2022.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan</span></span>
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<h2>End the silence</h2>
<p>It’s time to end the silence. Trudeau, Anand and CAF leaders have the opportunity to lead the way when it comes to addressing issues of workplace bullying, harassment and sexual abuse in the organization. So why aren’t they?</p>
<p>These issues constitute real and immediate threats to our national security because they fracture trust and safety among those tasked with protecting Canada. These threats are coming from within the ranks. The <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sexual-misconduct-canadian-forces-vance-mcdonald-1.5980394">endemic CAF culture of victim blaming</a> falls short of the basic principles of decency, honour and justice — and it’s time for real action. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A woman with brown hair and glasses adjusts her earpiece while sitting at a table." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=456&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=574&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=574&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532230/original/file-20230615-17-59m26q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=574&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Marie Deschamps attends a committee on the external review into sexual misconduct and sexual harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces in Ottawa in May 2015.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick</span></span>
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<p>A multi-faceted strategy is needed to include victim aid, policy change, leadership responsibility and education like the one proposed by Marie Deschamps, <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/sexual-misbehaviour/external-review-2015.html">the former Supreme Court justice who was appointed to conduct one of the many reviews into sexual misconduct in the CAF.</a></p>
<p>To eradicate sexual assault, the CAF must commit to transformative leadership and emphasize the dignity, respect and equality of those who serve — not those who offend. </p>
<p>The principle of “see something, say something” must not lead to negative consequences for the victim. CAF members are asked to serve and sacrifice on the battlefield, so why can’t they be protected from each other?</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/sexual-misconduct-abuse-of-power-adultery-and-secrecy-what-i-witnessed-in-canadas-military-158345">Sexual misconduct, abuse of power, adultery and secrecy: What I witnessed in Canada’s military</a>
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<h2>Public health issue</h2>
<p>Workplace violence is <a href="https://theconversation.com/workplace-bullying-should-be-treated-as-a-public-health-issue-190330">a public health issue</a>. The <a href="https://escipub.com/Articles/IJPRR/IJPRR-2020-01-1205.pdf">consequences of bullying, harassment and sexualized violence </a> at work have serious impacts on the physical and mental health of victims. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/workplace-bullying-should-be-treated-as-a-public-health-issue-190330">Workplace bullying should be treated as a public health issue</a>
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<p>Meaningful and effective intervention is a necessary step in combating these issues, but to do so effectively, change needs to start at the top.</p>
<p>Perhaps it’s time for Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, to take on workplace violence. Tam is someone who gets things done. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led Canada’s public health response and ensured widespread public health measures were put in place to save lives. </p>
<p>The mandate of the Public Health Agency of Canada includes <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html">identifying health risks to Canadians</a> — and workplace violence falls squarely within this purview as a threat to the health and well-being of all Canadians.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207196/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Walker is affiliated with the Liberal Party of Canada (Member). </span></em></p>The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has a serious problem with sexual violence. The military’s chronic and unresolved toxic culture puts the country’s national security at risk.Jason Walker, Associate Professor, Graduate Studies, Leadership and People Management, University Canada WestLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1933312022-12-14T21:01:17Z2022-12-14T21:01:17Z6 moments in African football in 2022 that will be talked about for years to come<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/498014/original/file-20221129-12-csc9v0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">South Africa wins the Women's African Cup of Nations in Rabat as the women's game grows.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>2022 was a significant year for African football. It was a benchmark for the women’s game and a year that may mark the first real move into African football as a business rather than football as development. It ended with some thrilling matches at the men’s <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022">World Cup</a> in Qatar, proving the real progress made by teams from African countries.</p>
<p>The first full year of a return to the sport after the COVID pandemic, 2022 has shown that the African game is able to grow and claim its own space in world football beyond the headlines generated by star African players like <a href="https://theconversation.com/superstars-sadio-mane-and-mo-salah-eclipse-african-football-at-home-187183">Mo Salah and Sadio Mané</a> playing for high profile European clubs.</p>
<p>Each of the six key events I’ve noted here presented a watershed moment. We may not all agree on the order, but can be sure they will be talked about for years to come.</p>
<h2>Afcon wins new respect</h2>
<p>Many top African footballers play for clubs in Europe. Late in 2021, the <a href="https://www.ecaeurope.com">European Club Association</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/15/africa-cup-of-nations-to-go-ahead-despite-european-clubs-threat-say-organisers">threatened</a> to prevent key players from representing their countries at the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/">Africa Cup of Nations</a> (Afcon) tournament in 2022. They cited COVID-19 problems and conflict with the scheduling of league football in Europe. The Conversation Africa <a href="https://theconversation.com/afcon-demands-global-respect-opens-a-new-chapter-for-african-football-176552">projected</a> that the <a href="https://www.premierleague.com">English Premier League</a> alone stood to lose up to 37 players to Afcon. </p>
<p>But the African countries stood their ground and insisted on the release of the players. Importantly, several key figures in football, including European club manager <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/patrick-vieira/profil/trainer/20029">Patrick Vieira</a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertkidd/2022/01/08/the-african-cup-of-nations-deserves-as-much-respect-as-any-continental-tournament/?sh=493a0c284c4d">demanded</a> that Afcon be respected. In the end, the European clubs bowed and released their players to participate in Africa’s most glamorous football tournament. </p>
<p>Afcon went on to achieve <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/records-numbers-for-totalenergies-africa-cup-of-nations-fan-engagement-tournamen#:%7E:text=Impressions%20across%20all%20channels%20is,visits%20happened%20on%20Twitter%20only.&text=The%20YouTube%20channel%20has%20hit,time%20from%20opening%20to%20finale.&text=300%20million%20video%20views%20..">record numbers</a> in fan engagement, with over 1 billion video views worldwide and unprecedented social media attention. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/afcon-demands-global-respect-opens-a-new-chapter-for-african-football-176552">Afcon demands global respect, opens a new chapter for African football</a>
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<h2>Women’s football scores big</h2>
<p>Club tournament the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/caf-women-champions-league/">African Women’s Champions League</a> is barely two years old and there was no prize money on offer in 2021. But, in a stunning <a href="https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2022/10/20/caf-unveils-prize-money-womens-champions-league/">announcement</a>, the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com">Confederation of African Football</a> (Caf) offered a purse for 2022. Winners now receive US$400,000 and the runner-up and third-placed teams US$250,000 and US$200,000. These are noteworthy figures, even compared to the prize for a club winning the Women’s Champions League in Europe. There, the <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/womens-champions-league-prize-money-barcelona-lyon/npbhtgbvkhqg8eqri0ruq0ls">published prize</a> for 2022 was US$230,000 or £200,000. ASFAR from Morocco <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/caf-women-champions-league/2022/news/asfar-dethrone-mamelodi-sundowns-to-win-first-caf-women-s-champions-league-title">triumphed</a> over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.</p>
<p>The prize money demonstrates a genuine move by Caf to improve women’s football on the continent and it will surely trigger more participation by women in the sport across various African countries. With such interest, media will follow to further raise the game’s profile. </p>
<h2>Africa makes its mark at the World Cup</h2>
<p>Before the 2022 men’s football World Cup, Africa had <a href="https://theconversation.com/world-cup-final-16-african-performances-mark-a-definitive-moment-in-football-195888">previously presented</a> three teams at the quarter final stage – in 1990 (Cameroon), 2002 (Senegal) and 2010 (Ghana). Morocco joined that list in 2022 and then went a step further, making history by becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. However, Morocco reaching this zenith was not the only story for Africa at the 2022 World Cup. </p>
<p>This World Cup marked the only finals in which Africa had won <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12702687/world-cup-2022-state-of-play-live-group-tables-results-and-fixtures-in-qatar">eight games</a> in regulation time. The previous highest total was four – in 2002 and 2010. This clearly marks major progress, more than a 75% win increase.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A football team poses in the middle of a field with a bank of cameras taping and photographing them." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/500387/original/file-20221212-103551-h6rrf6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The Moroccan team celebrates victory in the quarter-final of the World Cup.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Alex Grimm/Getty Images</span></span>
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<h2>Video assistant referees introduced</h2>
<p>Although <a href="https://www.fifa.com/technical/football-technology/football-technologies-and-innovations-at-the-fifa-world-cup-2022/video-assistant-referee-var">video assistant referees</a> are now a common part of global football, referees watching the game on video screens was new at Afcon in 2022. The system was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/afcon-2021-caf-confirms-var-to-be-used-in-all-52-matches-in-cameroon/blt7738c819ec7a536e">used</a> for the first time in the final stage and proved crucial in helping match officials make decisions. </p>
<p>Several games were decided by video analysis following video replays. It was critical in deciding a knockout stage <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1554682/Everton-news-Alex-Iwobi-red-card-Nigeria-AFCON-exit-Tunisia">game</a> between Nigeria and Tunisia, for example. A video replay led to the disqualification of a Nigerian player as his team chased an equalising goal. Although the system has been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/var-penalty-kick-scotland-womens-world-cup-2019-6">challenged</a> at other tournaments, it was considered a success at Afcon. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/morocco-vs-south-africa-as-womens-football-enters-a-new-era-187267">Morocco vs South Africa as women's football enters a new era</a>
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<h2>New powers in the women’s game</h2>
<p>Nigeria had <a href="https://theconversation.com/womens-football-in-nigeria-has-a-long-history-of-defiance-154573">dominated</a> African women’s football for so long that for years there was no contest at the continental championship level. However, the hard work of countries like Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast has gradually started to <a href="https://theconversation.com/womens-afcon-2022-nigeria-sweats-as-morocco-and-cote-divoire-usher-in-new-era-177844">pay off</a>. </p>
<p>At this year’s <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/totalenergies-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/">Women’s Africa Cup of Nations</a> (Wafcon), Ivory Coast failed to qualify, beaten by Nigeria despite its <a href="https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/france2019/teams/1885020">credible performance</a> at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. However, Nigeria found that its dominance at Wafcon had come to an end. Nigeria was eliminated by hosts Morocco at the semi-final stage and then beaten by Zambia in a tough third place game. Morocco, playing eye catching football throughout the tournament, lost to South Africa in the <a href="https://africa.cgtn.com/2022/07/24/south-africa-defeats-morocco-to-win-first-wafcon-title/">final</a>. South Africa had earlier dealt Nigeria a blow at the group stage. </p>
<p>These performances and results demonstrate the spreading of top level talent and teams across the continent. </p>
<h2>A brand new league</h2>
<p>The biggest development of the year, however, has to be Caf’s <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-launches-groundbreaking-africa-super-league">announcement</a> of a new league for African premier clubs, starting in 2023. The lucrative new Africa Super League involves the continent’s best clubs, some countries providing as many as three teams and others none. </p>
<p>This competition is made for TV, designed to generate revenue from deep-pocket sponsors through broadcast rights. The tournament will replace the African Champions League as the continent’s premier club competition and will be dominated by the big North African clubs from Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. With top West African players <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40175150#metadata_info_tab_contents">migrating</a> to Europe and Asia in recent years, the North Africans have dominated. </p>
<p>In the long term this should help develop stronger, better funded African clubs, better able to keep some top talents at home. If Caf is able to pull this off, it will be a significant watershed in African football. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-lucrative-new-african-football-league-is-coming-the-pros-and-cons-188826">A lucrative new African football league is coming: the pros and cons</a>
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<p>Caf’s <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/dr-patrice-motsepe-elected-7th-caf-president-unopposed-in-rabat">new leadership</a>, elected in 2021, came in with an ambitious ten-point plan to revitalise African football. It hasn’t been easy, given the state of finances that it inherited, including the loss of a major sponsorship. Yet, its activities in 2022 have demonstrated the potential to dramatically open new vistas.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/193331/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>There was a significant shift towards African football as a business rather than football as development.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1948242022-11-17T14:36:50Z2022-11-17T14:36:50ZCan an African team win the World Cup? New football study crunches the numbers<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/495868/original/file-20221117-27-eybvx7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Senegal's goalkeeper Tony Sylva celebrates his side's famous win against France at the 2002 Fifa World Cup.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Many football lovers hope an African team will finally win the men’s <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022">2022 Fifa World Cup</a>. The world has been waiting for this since the great Brazilian player <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pele-Brazilian-athlete">Pelé</a> predicted (in the 1970s) that an African country would win before the year 2000. That didn’t happen, but it didn’t stop <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-four-big-challenges-facing-patrice-motsepe-africas-new-soccer-boss-157015">Patrice Motsepe</a>, president of the Confederation of African Football, from <a href="https://ewn.co.za/2021/03/16/africa-must-win-world-cup-soon-says-new-caf-boss-motsepe">saying</a> (in 2021):</p>
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<p>An African team must win the World Cup in the near future.</p>
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<p>But is it realistic to keep hoping? Are African teams doing what they need to compete with the world’s best, making it just a matter of time? Or is an African win possible if countries do something different? Or is an African win simply impossible, the stuff of false hope?</p>
<p>I tackle this multi-part question in a recent research <a href="https://bsc.cid.harvard.edu/files/bsc/files/2022-01-cid-wp-403-africa-world-soccer.pdf">paper</a> that draws on various data sources (including the <a href="https://www.eloratings.net">Elo ratings database</a>) to compare competitive records in the 2010s. It looks at top African contenders (Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia) and recent World Cup finalists and semi-finalists (Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Spain) to see if African countries are really competing with world soccer’s best. And if not, why?</p>
<p>I find a significant competitive gap between African countries and the world’s best, which seems to have grown over recent generations. This gap is not encouraging for those hoping for an African World Cup win.</p>
<h2>The study</h2>
<p>My analysis captures two dimensions of each country’s competitive record: how they compete as a participant (how much they play, who they play against and in which tournaments) and how they compete as a rival (how often they win, especially against elite teams and in high profile tournaments). </p>
<p>Unfortunately, the records of African countries lagged behind those of top nations on both dimensions. Africa’s best played lower levels of competition and won less often. Instead of competing with the world’s best, Africa’s top countries seem better matched to a country like Greece, which has played in three World Cup final stages and made the last 16 in 2014. This is an impressive record, but few people outside Greece consider the country a potential World Cup winner. So why do we think African countries should carry such hope?</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/world-cup-2022-senegal-and-cameroon-carry-africas-best-hopes-194647">World Cup 2022: Senegal and Cameroon carry Africa's best hopes</a>
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<p>I found that Africa’s top countries’ competitive records were more like current World Cup contenders in prior decades (even in the 1970s, when Pelé made his prediction). Tunisia and France had very similar participant and rival scores in the 1970s, for instance, but France now scores much higher than Tunisia on both dimensions. This suggests that Africa’s best competitors have become relatively less competitive over time. </p>
<p>Such observation is surprising when one considers how much has been done to expand Africa’s role in world soccer since the 1970s. Countries on the continent have gained more access to World Cup final stages and they compete in more intra-continental competition than ever before (with an <a href="https://theconversation.com/afcon-demands-global-respect-opens-a-new-chapter-for-african-football-176552">expanded</a> <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/">Africa Cup of Nations</a>, in particular). In addition, Africa’s players have proved their talent and had <a href="https://theconversation.com/superstars-sadio-mane-and-mo-salah-eclipse-african-football-at-home-187183">increased exposure</a> to the best of world soccer. Over 200 Africans currently ply their trade in Europe’s big five leagues.</p>
<h2>Why are African teams less competitive?</h2>
<p>Regardless of these advances, I believe African countries have become less competitive because they do not compete regularly with the world’s best nations. Less than 20% of Africa’s top countries’ matches are against elite contenders. The World Cup semi-finalists and finalists play between 30% and 60% of their annual matches against elite nations. It is unsurprising that African countries also win far fewer of these high-level matches: Nigeria took only 30% of the points in these matches in the 2010s – England took 68%.</p>
<p>Studies from <a href="https://bsc.cid.harvard.edu/files/bsc/files/2022-01-cid-wp-403-africa-world-soccer.pdf">various research papers</a> tell us that teams become more competitive when they “play up” against top opposition. “Playing down” against weak opposition makes them less competitive. This is because teams learn whenever they play, about the on-field and off-field strategies and technologies of their opponents. Top national teams have the most advanced technologies, many of which are cutting edge and have not yet been shared. The only way to learn about them is through regular competition.</p>
<p>Africa’s top soccer playing nations do not compete regularly with top nations and are thus not able to learn these technologies. They may dominate continental tournaments, therefore, but will ultimately lack the knowhow needed to really compete – consistently and regularly – with the world’s best. </p>
<h2>World Cup chances</h2>
<p>I do believe that African countries can win the odd game against a global power (and we have seen such results over time). But the world champion must overcome at least five elite opponents (and draw against two more) in the next month. None of the African contenders in this year’s World Cup has won five matches against elite opposition in the last five years. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/world-cup-2022-qatars-frantic-countdown-to-a-football-tournament-full-of-controversy-191918">World Cup 2022: Qatar's frantic countdown to a football tournament full of controversy</a>
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<p>Arguably Cameroon’s best result against elite non-African opponents since 2017 was a friendly draw against Japan. Ghana managed two friendly draws against Chile and Japan. Morocco had two friendly wins against Chile and Serbia. Senegal had a friendly draw against Brazil. Tunisia’s best were friendly wins against Chile and Japan and a friendly draw against Portugal. Of course, friendlies are not the same as competitive matches. </p>
<p>So, sadly, I don’t think an African team will win this year’s World Cup. But I do think an African team could win in future – if Africa’s best play up against better teams and learn how to compete at that level. </p>
<h2>What it would take</h2>
<p>This would require a decision by Africa’s top nations to play their B teams in African competitions and schedule more matches against high level opponents for their A teams. I would expect the African teams to lose more of these games than they win – at least at first – but would bet they win more and more over time, enhancing their chances of becoming the team that can beat anyone in the 2026 or 2030 World Cups. I would also bet that African countries that choose to keep playing down will never win the World Cup.</p>
<p>Africans should hold onto the hope of winning, but ensure they do the work needed to build teams and systems that make this hope a reality. As former Italian player turned manager <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/managers/5556/Antonio-Conte/overview">Antonio Conte</a> says:</p>
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<p>To use the verb ‘to win’ is more simple than winning because to win you have to build something important, be solid … Then you’re ready to win. Otherwise you have to hope. </p>
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<p>I’m one of the people who hope Africa will win the World Cup. The countries of Africa have amazing potential – on the soccer field and off it – but many Africans need to see that potential realised. There is no better place to demonstrate what the continent’s people can do than the global soccer arena. But more work is needed for this to happen.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/194824/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Matt Andrews is affiliated with the Harvard Kennedy School.</span></em></p>A win is possible - but only in 2026 or 2030 and only if African teams get to play more high level internationals more regularly.Matthew Andrews, Edward S. Mason Senior Lecturer in International Development, Harvard Kennedy SchoolLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1888262022-08-17T14:53:28Z2022-08-17T14:53:28ZA lucrative new African football league is coming: the pros and cons<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/479352/original/file-20220816-26-vqj8jb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Zouhair El Moutaraji celebrates Morocco's Wydad AC winning at the Caf Champions League in 2022.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">AFP via Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Confederation for African Football (Caf) recently <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-launches-groundbreaking-africa-super-league">announced plans</a> for a continent-wide Africa Super League. It will kick off with 24 clubs from 16 countries in August 2023. </p>
<p>The new tournament will run annually from August until May, with 197 games in a format much like the European <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/">UEFA Champions League</a>. It starts off with the teams grouped in three zones – North Africa, West/Central Africa and East/Southern Africa. The top 16 clubs move into a knockout phase.</p>
<p>The enticement is a projected <a href="https://qz.com/a-super-league-is-promising-to-make-african-soccer-cl-1849404513">US$200 million windfall</a> from Caf with 25% of the funds going to the development of women’s and youth football. The rest goes into prize money for participating clubs. The champion club will receive US$11.5 million and all members of Caf will get US$1 million each. This is much bigger than the US$2.5 million received by current winners of the African Champions League club tournament. The <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/total-caf-champions-league/">African Champions League</a> and the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/total-confederation-cup/">Confederation Cup</a> will continue with entries from all African countries but the format for both competitions will return to the earlier iteration of two-legged elimination contests. </p>
<p>For Caf, which lost an <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/62478024">estimated US$45 million</a> in 2020-21, the league is a way to earn big money from television rights. However, Caf provided very few answers to questions about the practical realities of the league when its plans were announced in Tanzania on 10 August. </p>
<p>There are pertinent questions that need clarifying, but even at this early stage it’s clear that there are strengths and weaknesses to the shiny new Africa Super League.</p>
<h2>Issues to be clarified</h2>
<p>There are at least two major issues that Caf should clarify. The proposed Super League, which runs for the entire football season, involves 24 clubs that will, at the same time, be playing in their national club competitions. Continental competitions often disrupt local leagues. In places like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, clubs sometimes <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-transfers-negatively-affect-nigerian-footballers-families-148298">travel by road</a> three times the distance clubs in England travel for league games. With these clubs being away from local fixtures for long periods, the travel arrangements for local competitions become more complex. </p>
<p>Furthermore, African players travel frequently to seek <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3vjm7/african-football-trafficking">contracts abroad</a>. This affects the squad sizes of local clubs that are being asked to participate in expanded fixtures at the continental level.</p>
<p>A second question is whether the winner of this competition will automatically have a place in the expanded <a href="https://pledgetimes.com/the-new-version-of-the-club-world-cup-between-2023-and-2024/">World Clubs competition</a> that world football body Fifa is reportedly amending. This is important given that the current representative to the global competition from Africa is the winner of the African Champions League.</p>
<h2>There are benefits</h2>
<p>The predicted US$200 million windfall from this competition is not as steep as many may think. As far back as 2015, Caf signed a US$1 billion <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2015/06/12/caf-signs-new-marketing-deal-with-sportfive-until-2028/71131504/">TV rights deal</a> with the Lagardère Group for a little less than US$100 million a year for 12 years. Although Caf <a href="https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/8/77592/CAF-terminates-billion-dollar-contract-with-Lagardere-Sports">cancelled</a> the deal a few years later, it was clear that the money had become a pittance considering similar TV rights contracts signed elsewhere. A US$4 billion deal was <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/ddmc-fortis-pay-us4-billion-afc-rights/">signed</a> by the Asian Football Confederation in 2018. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-four-big-challenges-facing-patrice-motsepe-africas-new-soccer-boss-157015">The four big challenges facing Patrice Motsepe, Africa's new soccer boss</a>
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<p>Seven years after the Lagardère contract, there is every reason to expect Caf to earn an improved television contract to support a proposed African Super League that offers more games with the assurance of the better-known teams participating. The new Super League is far better suited to TV interest and better placed to attract bigger rights deals than existing continent-wide competitions for clubs. </p>
<p>Of course, an African league is not nearly as popular as the champions league in Europe, where <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-11/champions-league-soccer-rights-expected-to-top-2-billion-in-us">US$2 billion in rights</a> was earned in 2022 and close to $1 billion brought in via <a href="https://www.elfutbolero.us/competitions/The-8-sponsors-of-the-UEFA-Champions-League-How-many-millions-do-they-spend-each-season-20210826-0029.html">commercial rights</a> alone. </p>
<h2>But also downsides</h2>
<p>Caf is <a href="https://qz.com/a-super-league-is-promising-to-make-african-soccer-cl-1849404513">selling</a> this competition as one that would make African clubs more attractive to players by dissuading many from travelling outside the continent to earn a living. However, the Africa Super League payoff to most of the participating clubs will not be significant enough to keep players home. </p>
<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/02/10/north-africas-dominance-entering-the-caf-champions-league/">North African clubs</a> that currently keep most of their players and even poach from other African countries will be advantaged. With Caf’s proposed formula for sharing prize money, they will be able to widen the gap between themselves and clubs from other regions of the continent. Keeping players in sub-Saharan African clubs will continue to be a struggle, even with this new league.</p>
<p>Further, Caf could have used this opportunity to strengthen <a href="https://www.aclsports.com/is-a-continent-wide-football-league-viable-in-africa/">privately owned clubs</a> by granting access only to them. But this is not the case. It has instead sought to include clubs based on current strength of performance even if these clubs are state supported. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/for-footballers-of-african-descent-playing-in-euro-2020-will-be-a-double-edged-sword-158462">For footballers of African descent, playing in Euro 2020 will be a double-edged sword</a>
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<p>The problem, across the continent, is that state-supported clubs are not compelled to develop commercially and become trapped in their dependency on state doles. Establishing financially strong and business-focused clubs is not supported by this new league.</p>
<h2>To sum it up</h2>
<p>Overall, the African Super League will bring more funds to African football – if Caf works hard on securing top TV and media rights. Clubs, especially in northern Africa, will likely expand their revenue. </p>
<p>Unfortunately Caf has, with the current plan, missed an opportunity to develop commercially focused club competition in Africa. Allowing state-owned clubs to participate is a missed opportunity for clubs to develop revenue sources that are needed to make them competitive at a global level.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/188826/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The Africa Super League brings big money but a logistical nightmare and a missed opportunity for commercial club development.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1871832022-07-19T13:50:15Z2022-07-19T13:50:15ZSuperstars Sadio Mané and Mo Salah eclipse African football at home<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/474624/original/file-20220718-51582-f7agqp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Sadio Mané (left) with Mohamed Salah in 2018 when both played for Liverpool. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Senegal’s <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/sadio-mane/profil/spieler/200512">Sadio Mané</a> has beaten Egypt’s <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.co.za/mohamed-salah/profil/spieler/148455">Mo Salah</a> and the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/awards/nominees">other </a>nine players nominated for the African Footballer of the Year <a href="https://www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/african-footballer-of-the-year-mo-salah-and-sadio-mane-nominated#:%7E:text=Sadio%20Mane%20and%20four%20current,due%20to%20the%20COVID%20pandemic">prize</a> at this year’s <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/22/sadio-mane-asisat-oshoala-win-african-player-of-the-year-awards">Caf Awards</a> held by the Confederation of African Football in Rabat, Morocco. </p>
<p>Both Mané and Salah – the clear favourites – rose to global prominence playing for Liverpool in the <a href="https://www.premierleague.com">English Premier League</a>, propelling the club to three champions league finals and winning a title. Both have won Caf player of the year before, Salah twice in 2017 and 2018, and Mané once in 2019. Now Mané has evened the score at 2-2.</p>
<p>Star forwards, their pursuits on the field are the stuff of fame and constant headlines. Mané grew up in the village of Bambali, Senegal and began his professional career at 19. Salah was born in Basyoun, Egypt and was also a football-loving child. He signed his first contract with a local club at 14. As African players shine in Europe, they are at the front of the changing face of international football.</p>
<p>There are thousands of African players like them, born and raised in humble circumstances with football offering a rare escape from poverty. Each of these players aspires to hold trophies in their hands. While Salah and Mané pave the way, the constant media attention on the exploits of African players in Europe tends to downplay the heroic exploits of African-based stars in national leagues and Pan African club competitions. </p>
<p>This lack of visibility could create an impression that top class football is played only in Europe. While Mané and Salah brought headlines to the 2022 prize, there are several other awards on the night that help highlight the talent working at home.</p>
<h2>Mané or Salah?</h2>
<p>Mané is now reigning Caf player of the year since 2019 as the COVID pandemic and schedule changes postponed it for two years. Having recently joined Bayern Munich in Germany from Liverpool in the UK, he is one of several Africans playing in the English Premier League who made the 2022 shortlist. In fact five of the ten do.</p>
<p>All along Mané was the favourite to win again this year after leading Senegal to <a href="https://theconversation.com/afcon-demands-global-respect-opens-a-new-chapter-for-african-football-176552">glory</a> for the first time at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in February. The country also qualified for the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022">World Cup Qatar 2022</a>. Mané was voted best player of Afcon. </p>
<p>However, Salah also had strong credentials. A great season saw him <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-salah-premier-league-playmaker-of-the-season-most/blt1bad52738fbe5f90">win</a> top scorer and player with the most goal assists in the Premier League. He was the Professional Footballers’ Association and Player Writer’s <a href="https://theathletic.com/news/mohamed-salah-pfa-player-of-the-year/swwwqT7riQhP/">footballer of the year</a>, beating Mané. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/afcon-demands-global-respect-opens-a-new-chapter-for-african-football-176552">Afcon demands global respect, opens a new chapter for African football</a>
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<p>But given the fact that this award is for a player who best represents African football, it would have been an upset if Mané’s national accomplishments at Afcon had not prevailed over the individual accolades for Salah.</p>
<h2>The other contenders</h2>
<p>While Mané and Salah were standout candidates, flying below the radar for CAF’s male footballer of the year was Senegal and Chelsea goalkeeper <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/edouard-mendy/erfolge/spieler/442531">Edouard Mendy</a>. This season he was in the winning teams at the FIFA Club World Cup, AFCON and the UEFA Supercup. He was <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/official-chelseas-edouard-mendy-named-the-best-fifa-goalkeeper-for-2021">World’s Best Goalkeeper</a> in 2021. Although goalkeeping is not a high profile position, Mendy’s performance credentials made him a favourite. Had he won he would have been only the third goalkeeper to do so and the first since 1986.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A man snakes his arms into a cross in front of him, animated, his mouth open. A man in a yellow jersey stands behind him, watching." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/474790/original/file-20220719-18-qj276p.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Al Ahly’s South African coach Pitso Mosimane missed out on best coach award.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images</span></span>
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<p>The English Premier League dominated the shortlist when it comes to clubs, but when it comes to countries Senegal came out on top with three players. Cameroon had two and Egypt, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Algeria each had one. Geographically speaking, West and Central Africa edged out North Africa. Despite Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa having a high sporting profile, they are nowhere on the list.</p>
<h2>African clubs miss out</h2>
<p>The last time an African-based player won player of the year was Egypt’s <a href="https://africanfootball.com/news/782134/Honouring-the-great-Mahmoud-El-Khatib">Mahmoud El Khatib</a>. The last four decades have witnessed a complete transformation in the African football and global football landscapes. Most African stars ply their trade in Europe where they are paid millions of dollars. It’s hard for an African club to house a player that can replicate El Khatib’s accomplishment. It is regrettable that excelling in Europe increasingly provides a more compelling case to be voted a CAF player of the year.</p>
<p>However, there were <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-release-star-studded-final-shortlist-for-caf-awards-2022-in-men-s-categories">seven other categories</a> at the CAF awards that offered better chances for African-based nominees to <a href="https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/african-football/all-2022-caf-award-winners-revealed/720940">win</a>. These included coach of the year to Aliou Cissé, Senegal for best national team and trophies for best club and interclub players.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-four-big-challenges-facing-patrice-motsepe-africas-new-soccer-boss-157015">The four big challenges facing Patrice Motsepe, Africa's new soccer boss</a>
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<p>A Caf award sets winners apart as all time greats to be talked about for generations; it sets up contracts and financial opportunities. Even as Mané and Salah attracted the lion’s share of the headlines, one should remember that many more talented players are waiting in the wings – but they will require identifying and nurturing. Caf, national football associations and African clubs have an obligation to invest in and unearth this talent while also celebrating their stars.</p>
<p><em>This article was updated to reflect the results of the awards</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187183/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The Caf African Player of the Year is named on 21 July – but it’s only one of eight trophies being handed out.Wycliffe W. Njororai Simiyu, Professor, Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas at TylerLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1842502022-06-02T09:03:32Z2022-06-02T09:03:32ZAfrican Champions League at a crossroads after bitter Wydad vs Ahly final<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466578/original/file-20220601-49499-zn0ef9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Match-winner Zouheir El Moutaraji of Wydad celebrates a goal in Casablanca.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The biggest news from the conclusion of the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com">Caf African Champions League</a> final at the Stade Mohammed V stadium in Casablanca, Morocco was that it did not end in a farce. Morocco’s <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/el-moutaraji-double-gives-wydad-african-champions-league-title-2022-05-30/">Wydad AC won the trophy</a> by beating Egypt’s Al Ahly 2-0 and depriving them of being crowned champions in three consecutive years.</p>
<p>But the story was not the final game. Instead, for weeks, the story focused on a controversial build up that threatened to mar Africa’s premier club competition. The decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to hold the final in Casablanca led to an online outcry over this giving a hometown advantage to Wydad, who are from Casablanca.</p>
<p>At one point the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23StopCafCorruption&src=typed_query&f=top">#StopCafCorruption</a> was trending globally because of the venue announcement, with Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPitso/status/1523832727111442434">adding</a> to <a href="https://sportsbrief.com/football/16570-patrice-motsepe-comes-under-fire-from-football-fans-stop-caf-corruption-trends-after-final-venue-announcement/">the</a> <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/61399541">fray</a>. The Egyptian superclub took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who <a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/sport/champions-league-will-take-place-in-morocco-on-monday-caf-tells-pitsos-al-ahly-20220527">rejected</a> their application to postpone the final. Ahly argued that the decision went against the principles of fair play and that the final should be held in a neutral venue.</p>
<p>After the final the mercurial Mosimane <a href="https://www.news24.com/sport/soccer/international/bitter-defeat-on-moroccan-soil-has-mosimane-believing-neutral-venue-mattered-in-the-end-20220531">claimed</a> that Ahly would have beaten the Moroccans if the championship had been concluded at a neutral venue. Mosimane’s comment on the venue will reverberate for years and Caf is already <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/caf-champions-league/story/4662396/africa-considering-return-to-two-legged-finals-for-champions-league">considering</a> whether to go back to a two-legged final.</p>
<h2>Caf’s dilemma</h2>
<p>The African Champions League final historically involved a two-legged final with each team getting an opportunity to host a leg. In the event of a tie the winner is chosen on aggregate scores, away goals being doubled, or via penalty kicks if all else ends in a tie. But a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48483152">temperamental final</a> in 2019 between Wydad of Morocco and Esperance of Tunisia ended such a format.</p>
<p>Caf’s decision not to name the venue of the 2022 final until deep into the competition was a recipe for disaster. The venue should be announced before the start of the competition in order to ensure fairness. The delay gave room for heightened gamesmanship and this time the gamesmanship threatened to bring the competition into disrepute.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A bald-headed man in a blue shirt holds both his hands on top of his head, looking anxious." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466594/original/file-20220601-49081-i62hkm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Al Ahly manager Pitso Mosimane stirred up debate over the finals venue.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">SEBASTIAN FREJ/MB Media/Getty Images</span></span>
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<p>Ahly, winner in the previous year, was eager to win a third consecutive championship, but with Caf naming a Moroccan venue, the Egyptian side was at a decided disadvantage. </p>
<p>Caf explained that it had no choice but to use the only venue eligible to host the finals. It invited applications to host its premier final and only two met the criteria, despite multiple applications being received. The other qualifying venue was in Dakar, Senegal but the Senegalese Football Federation subsequently <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/61391690#:%7E:text=The%20African%20Champions%20League%20final,played%20at%20a%20neutral%20venue.">withdrew its application</a>, leaving the Moroccan venue as the only qualifying application on the table. Ahly was miffed and had good reason to be.</p>
<h2>North African rivalry</h2>
<p>Games, especially between clubs from North African countries, have been temperamental and dogged for years – especially on occasions like this where nationalism is heightened. </p>
<p>Since 2017, all but one final of the championship has involved North African teams, which has helped stoke a long rivalry for supremacy in African club football. Morocco’s Wydad and Egypt’s Al Ahly have now heightened their rivalry.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-four-big-challenges-facing-patrice-motsepe-africas-new-soccer-boss-157015">The four big challenges facing Patrice Motsepe, Africa's new soccer boss</a>
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<p>Ruffled by the controversy of the 2019 final, Caf moved subsequent (one-legged) championships to a single venue intended to be neutral. The next two finals were played in Cairo and Casablanca. While the 2021 Casablanca final was a neutral venue between South Africa’s Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly, the 2020 final involved two Egyptian clubs in Cairo. Thus, this year’s final was the first where one of the teams had a home advantage.</p>
<h2>The future</h2>
<p>Caf says that the difficulty in attracting hosts for the championship is persuading them to rethink the one-leg final. A Caf official was <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/africa-considering-return-to-two-legged-finals-of-champions-league/article38486992.ece">quoted</a> saying:</p>
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<p>There are currently discussions underway within Caf to revert to the old two-legged home and away final. </p>
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<p>But it seemed Caf was not short of bids to host the final. It acknowledged that it also received bids from Nigeria and South Africa, but <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/failed-nigeria-and-south-africa-hosting-bids-revealed-by-caf/bltb693aba58b76a9fd">says</a> that both venues failed to meet criteria listed by Caf. In recent years, Caf has tightened its criteria for venues to host its competition and this has forced countries, in certain cases, to host games outside its home territory. While Caf’s new criteria may force countries to improve facilities, it also means that some countries may not be able to host games, including hosting a premier championship like the African Champions League final. </p>
<p>But doing so will mean that Caf may entrench itself in another controversy when it reverts to a two-legged final, and if one of the finalist clubs fail to present a qualifying venue.</p>
<p>Caf clearly continues to struggle to emerge from decisions made by its previous administration. This controversy surrounding the final of the African Champions League marks a symptom of the struggle that includes <a href="https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2019/07/08/toxic-caf-danger-alienating-sponsors-unless-cleans-says-agency-source/">sponsorship</a> and <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210312-six-challenges-facing-new-african-football-boss-motsepe">governance</a> issues, among others.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/184250/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The final in Casablanca puts Caf at a crossroads about host nations and venues for matches.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1570152021-03-13T05:14:04Z2021-03-13T05:14:04ZThe four big challenges facing Patrice Motsepe, Africa’s new soccer boss<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/389268/original/file-20210312-13-k4d7el.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>South African mining magnate <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/56344995">Patrice Motsepe</a> is set to become the <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/about-us/caf-history/">eighth president</a> of CAF – the Confederation of African Football – since 1957. He’ll <a href="https://theconversation.com/race-to-run-africas-football-confederation-has-just-heated-up-whats-at-play-149924">take over</a> from Ahmad Ahmad after a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/soccer-africa-idINKBN2B01HJ">two year ban</a> was placed on Ahmad by <a href="https://www.fifa.com/news/history-fifa-foundation-447">FIFA</a> – Federation Internationale de Football Association, world football’s governing body. Motsepe must work with FIFA to run the sport in Africa, manage its reputation and oversee the various continental tournaments and leagues – as well as their <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">entangled</a> broadcast rights. Seasoned football analyst and communications scholar Chuka Onwumechili sheds light on the key challenges facing Motsepe’s bid to make the African game thrive.</em></p>
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<h2>What are Motsepe’s key challenges?</h2>
<p>This is a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37508584">four year term</a>. A person may serve for no more than three terms (a total of 12 years). So it’s really a long period to influence the agenda for football. The CAF president has a tough term ahead of him, given the prevailing situation. In my view, Motsepe’s many tasks include the financial health of the organisation. That is, for example, raising sponsorships. </p>
<p>Secondly, restoring confidence in CAF leadership after a <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-fifas-reform-proposals-could-damage-african-football-131319">period</a> when FIFA took over the running of CAF. Number three is improving the organisational stability of CAF as per African football <a href="https://www.cafonline.com/competitions/">competitions</a>. Number four is also stability – in the administration of the organisation. Here we are talking about <a href="https://www.africanews.com/2020/03/06/caf-general-secretary-quits-commercial-director-handed-acting-role//">problems</a> with the CAF secretary general job. There were several turnovers in this position and it is really the administrative position in CAF.</p>
<h2>How will Motsepe compare to his predecessor?</h2>
<p>The expectations are quite high, given the qualities that Motsepe will bring to the position. One, he is a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/patrice-motsepe/?sh=468ec3ce6c93">multimillionaire</a>, having made his wealth from the mining business. This background is quite important, because at least he does not <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2019-02-18-i-come-from-old-money-my-hands-are-clean-says-patrice-motsepe/">depend</a> on his position at CAF to become wealthy. This is a bit different from the kind of leadership we’ve had previously. The problem with CAF right now is mainly one of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/55237041">corruption</a>. </p>
<p><audio preload="metadata" controls="controls" data-duration="707" data-image="" data-title="Pasha 99: Why Patrice Motsepe is a good choice for the next CAF president" data-size="11383998" data-source="" data-source-url="" data-license="" data-license-url="">
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Pasha 99: Why Patrice Motsepe is a good choice for the next CAF president.
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<p>Two, Motsepe also owns a successful football club, <a href="https://sundownsfc.co.za">Mamelodi Sundowns</a>, which actually <a href="https://sundownsfc.co.za/honours/">won</a> the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9ru8crj3nI">African championship</a>. This designates Motsepe as a football man. There is an expectation that he may have an easier time attracting business interest to African football. This is needed, given the state of finances in African football today. </p>
<p>However, having said all of this, it must be acknowledged that there is some ambivalence. One, given the fact that Motsepe has assumed the position on the coattails of FIFA (which backed his appointment) would he be independent enough to focus on African interests? Or is he already captured by FIFA’s interests, which may not exactly <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-fifas-reform-proposals-could-damage-african-football-131319">correlate</a> with Africa’s? A second concern is, will Motsepe’s mining business provide him with enough time to focus on African football?</p>
<h2>What do you think of his 10-point manifesto?</h2>
<p>There’s a lot to like in Motsepe’s <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/motsepe-unveils-10-point-manifesto-plan-for-caf-presidency/">10-point agenda</a>, but the reality is that there is nothing in there that is new. What he has done is understand the current problems of CAF today and design a plan to rectify those problems. I agree that investing in African football is paramount. Because the last four years have been really, really heartbreaking. There is room obviously for growth, particularly in attracting investment and working with business partners to improve support for football in the continent. </p>
<p>I like the first point in his agenda: to make all 54 countries self-supporting financially. I doubt that this can be achieved in Motsepe’s four-year term, but there should be a genuine effort to start, at least. Rather than the current situation where football depends on the state for funding. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">The African football TV blackout could last for a while</a>
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<p>To address this is to encourage government disengagement from top-tier football in the continent. To allow room for private interests to build confidence and also to participate in growth in that area. It may mean reducing the number of league clubs in several countries, or even changing their competition structure – and the great distances teams must travel to compete – to reduce costs… But the key thing is to strategise on ways to make these leagues and clubs of interest to private investors. </p>
<h2>Can Motsepe help fix African football broadcasting rights?</h2>
<p>I am not sure that this is an easy fix for anyone. In my view Motsepe should first focus on rights at the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">continental level</a>. CAF was earning a pittance from a contract that sold rights to its primary competitions for several years in the future. That contract pales in comparison to similar contracts in Asia and South America where contracts are signed for shorter terms.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-fifas-reform-proposals-could-damage-african-football-131319">Why FIFA's reform proposals could damage African football</a>
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<p>However, I think Motsepe is an astute businessman and I do not expect that he will be party to CAF signing for such a long period when there is an emergence of new technologies or monetary depreciation that could render the value below par. Beyond that, attracting private interests instead of state entities may create fewer challenges, continent wide.</p>
<h2>Can he make African football thrive?</h2>
<p>If things are falling apart all over the place, I think it’s really very easy for Motsepe to reclaim the high ground and do well. That will be an easy thing to do, because it’s not going to take much to do better than the previous leadership.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/157015/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Creating stability and restoring confidence in the Confederation of African Football will need to be balanced by some complex commercial decisions.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1570082021-03-11T16:26:44Z2021-03-11T16:26:44ZPasha 99: Why Patrice Motsepe is a good choice for the next CAF president<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/389071/original/file-20210311-24-1qfffvx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Patrice Motsepe</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has a tough job. It includes working with FIFA to run the sport in Africa, and overseeing the continent’s tournaments and leagues. There are also issues of broadcast rights and improving the organisation’s poor reputation. </p>
<p>The latest to throw their name into the ring is South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe. The mining magnate is the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, a club he led to success in South Africa and continentally. Motsepe has a 10-point manifesto. He wants to grow football on the continent by attracting investors and partners. He also plans to invest in youth and infrastructure and make the confederation more efficient. </p>
<p>The immediate struggles he faces will be broadcast rights for competitions and what to do with tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations. </p>
<p>In this episode of Pasha, Chuka Onwumechili, a Professor of Communications at Howard University, shares his thoughts on how Motsepe will fare and how he can be a success in this role. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/race-to-run-africas-football-confederation-has-just-heated-up-whats-at-play-149924">Race to run Africa's football confederation has just heated up. What's at play</a>
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<p><strong>Photo:</strong><br>
“Patrice Motsepe attends a press conference for Global Citizen by <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/patrice-motsepe-attends-press-conference-for-global-citizen-news-photo/1173650051?adppopup=true">Getty Images</a></p>
<p><strong>Music:</strong>
"Happy African Village” by John Bartmann, found on <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/John_Bartmann/Public_Domain_Soundtrack_Music_Album_One/happy-african-village">FreeMusicArchive.org</a> licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">CC0 1</a>.</p>
<p>“One Night In Africa ” by John Bartmann found on <a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/John_Bartmann/Royalty-Free_Soundtrack_Music_Album_Two/one-night-in-africa">FreeMusicArchive.org</a> licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Attribution-ShareAlike License.</a>.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/157008/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
The African football landscape is eager to see if Patrice Motsepe can make a positive mark as its leader. But he faces many challenges in trying to fix African football.Ozayr Patel, Digital EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1482982020-11-19T14:41:17Z2020-11-19T14:41:17ZHow transfers negatively affect Nigerian footballers’ families<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/370138/original/file-20201118-17-1070d7j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates after scoring in a European football game.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In Nigeria, a large number of players move from one club to another in the country’s top division of 20 clubs.</p>
<p>Although exact figures are sketchy, there are many footballers who engage in this migration, covering large distances. Some players move between Lagos and Maiduguri, which is a distance of 952 miles (about 1,500km). These huge distances limit the number of times a footballer returns home to his family each season. Often, these visits may be limited to one for the Christmas break in Nigeria.</p>
<p>Player transfers are a global practice. But they come with grave consequences for the footballer’s family. We recently studied footballers’ families in Nigeria, and gained valuable insight into their situations.</p>
<p>In two <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17430437.2019.1631804">studies</a> leading to three <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14660970.2020.1749600">publications</a>, we interviewed footballers and their spouses about life beyond the game. Fans of the sport rarely get to see the underbelly of the game, and the media largely ignore it.</p>
<p>In Nigeria, our interviewed footballers travelled to new work cities alone, leaving their families behind in permanent family homes. This cuts down the cost of transfers, enabling players to move frequently and easily. Annual transfers are a necessity due to the poor administration of local football clubs. Top flight footballers are often owed their salaries, and the only assured remuneration is the sign-on fee received upon joining a new club. It’s the opposite in Europe. Studies show that <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0193723512445283">European</a> footballers regularly transfer from one club to the next with family members in tow. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, living apart takes a toll on the wives. Women who solely manage the home assume new responsibilities and suffer an increase in stress.</p>
<p>The women say their lives are strained by the lengthy absence of their husbands from home. They are often disturbed by the possibility of their absent husbands engaging in extramarital affairs. Beyond those intimate concerns, they are stressed with carrying out extra home management responsibilities that are not culturally expected of them as wives. Examples include driving children to school and taking the family car to the repair shop. These are traditionally considered the role of the husband.</p>
<p>As they carry out these activities, wives acquire more power within the family. </p>
<h2>Power shift in the home</h2>
<p>When Nigerian footballers stay away from home, the power distribution shifts in favour of the wife. The change in dynamic often comes with increased responsibilities, including running the extended family. They also become resourceful breadwinners, setting up small businesses to cover income deficits caused by the frequent nonpayment of Nigerian footballers’ wages.</p>
<p>As a consequence, women develop a variety of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1012690220958050">coping</a> strategies to deal with the stress. These include income-earning activities and staying in constant communication with their husbands through video calls, telephone calls and texting.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/370139/original/file-20201118-23-17cnejj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Nigerian attacker Victor Osimhen plays for Napoli FC in Italy.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Pietro Mosca/KontroLab/LightRocket/Getty Images</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>Despite their increased allocation of power, some wives of footballers <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1012690220958050?journalCode=irsb">loathe</a> football. While they understand the economic necessity of their spousal absence, they constantly long to have their husbands at home. The resentment built from time apart also makes women frown on their sons seeking a future in football. </p>
<h2>Lessons from footballer migration in Nigeria</h2>
<p>Financial advantages excluded, transfers negatively affect families who care for more than money. Families are uprooted, schooling disrupted, and adjustment to new places may be difficult. That’s why a large percentage of footballers end up in <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0193723512445283">divorce</a> courts.</p>
<p>The economic importance of footballers’ wives needs to be highlighted in pop culture. African stereotypes demand that men are providers. But in Nigerian footballing families, the wife shares this responsibility equally. In addition, wives usually create a more stable income to manage the family in the absence of the husband and his wages. This reality demands a review of how wives are perceived in Africa and their acquisition of power within the family structure.</p>
<p>Footballer families in Nigeria provide opportunities to gain new perspectives in family dynamics, especially in African societies where their roles appear to be culturally set in stone.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/148298/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>While player transfers offer the chance for financial rewards, the pursuit of career progress takes a toll on footballing families.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1499242020-11-13T15:23:43Z2020-11-13T15:23:43ZRace to run Africa’s football confederation has just heated up. What’s at play<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/369306/original/file-20201113-17-10ywyoa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Motsepe Foundation founder Patrice Motsepe speaks onstage during Global Citizen Presents Global Goal Live. Motsepe is running for CAF president.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) <a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-soccer-cairo-sports-europe-rabat-africa-9d9f01f6312b4d46a0bd59bbd527251a">announced that</a> it had banned African soccer confederation president Ahmad Ahmad for five years for financial misconduct. This will preclude him from running for another term as president of Confederation of African Football (CAF). The article below was published before FIFA made it’s announcement.</em></p>
<p>South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s <a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-soccer-cape-town-sierra-leone-africa-south-africa-7df487cc86371693637665d332f673dc">intention to contest</a> for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will make for an interesting run up to the March 12 election. Until <a href="https://africanfootball.com/news/782125/Caf-president-Ahmad-confirms-candidacy-for-re-election">he announced</a> his intention it appeared that Ahmad Ahmad, the Malagasy who currently leads the organisation, would be a shoo-in. </p>
<p>He had already secured support from 46 of the 54 member countries. Motsepe’s entry is bound to instigate a rethink. </p>
<p>The president of CAF has immense powers, which include representing the continent at the highest committees for global football decision making at the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA). He or she serves on the FIFA Council and as an Executive Vice President of FIFA. CAF presidents set the direction for football on the continent. They serve a four year term and the highly coveted position often attracts support based on regional coalitions and language alignments. </p>
<p>At present there are three contestants besides Ahmad and Motsepe. They are the Ivorian Jacques Anouma, a former member FIFA’s executive committee; Augustin Senghor of Senegal; and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya. Two others have withdrawn: Tunisia’s Tarek Bouchamoui, was reportedly blocked by Tunisia’s Football Federation, and Nigeria’s Pinnick Amaju, who is backing Motsepe. </p>
<p>The drama has only begun. More can be expected before the election on March 12. Political alignments and coalitions can be expected to change quickly as the election draws close. The changes may also be influenced by alleged horse trading of positions and favours. </p>
<p>This particular election is clouded by the fact that there are investigations into Ahmad. In addition, the organisation is at a crossroads after losing the primary sponsor for its <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">premier competitions</a>. </p>
<p>The president elected in March will face several major tasks. The most important will be to sign a respectable media contract for its continental competitions and to restore confidence in the organisation.</p>
<h2>Ahmad Ahmad</h2>
<p>Ahmad became president after a late coalition against the prolonged leadership of former president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/16/issa-hayatou-caf-president-ahmad-ahmad-madagascar-fa-fifa">Issa Hayatou of Cameroon</a>. Ahmad, elected as president in March 2017, has been in office for four years. He has been a member of CAF’s Executive Committee since 2013. But he has run into problems during his tenure. These include <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/48556061">accusations of impropriety</a> in a CAF equipment supplying contract awarded to a company owned by a friend of his. PricewaterhouseCoopers also reportedly found unreceipted expenditure of <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/08/sports/african-soccer-corruption.html">$24 million</a>. </p>
<p>There have also been reported <a href="http://www.insideworldfootball.com/2019/04/12/exclusive-caf-chief-ahmad-hit-multiple-sexual-harassment-allegations/">sexual harassment complaints</a>. Ahmad <a href="https://www.tellerreport.com/news/--caf-president-rejects-accusations-of-corruption-and-harassment-.rkDNoJS5V.html">has denied these accusations</a>.</p>
<p>In the boardroom, there were bungled decisions following an ill-tempered African Champions League final between <a href="https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/caf-champions-league/african-champions-league-caf-president-explains-var-controversy-in-2019-final-between-wydad-and-es-t/656267">Morocco’s Wydad and Tunisia’s Esperance</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">a decision</a> to pull out of a marketing contract with Largadere Sports and Entertainment without a substitute marketer in place. </p>
<p>FIFA has investigated some of these issues and <a href="https://regionweek.com/amr-fahmy-caf-secretary-general-sacked-after-accusing-ahmad-of-corruption/">results are awaited</a>. FIFA also <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/48706723">sent</a> its secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, to straighten out the finances.</p>
<p>These missteps make it clear that Ahmad Ahmad will have challengers as he seeks a second term in office. A previous ally, Amaju has publicly announced support for Motsepe. </p>
<p>Ahmad is not a novice to politics. He is vice-president of his country’s senate and at CAF he has dealt with adversaries summarily and co-opted supporters. To gauge support from within CAF’s executive, he recently demanded and received written support from 46 of the continent’s 54 associations for his second run for office. </p>
<p>Yet he’s not sure to return as president of CAF. FIFA’s investigation results are pending and could have severe consequences. This includes long term or life banishment. </p>
<p>What’s more, his tenure has rubbed up some members the wrong way. For instance, in July 2019, Ahmad engineered the removal of Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick from the CAF vice-presidency position. Nigeria has now joined four other countries – Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana – to declare support for Motsepe. </p>
<h2>The other contenders</h2>
<p>Ivory Coast and some of the French speaking countries are likely to rally behind Anouma. It’s not his first attempt to get this job. He tried in 2012, but was politically out-manouevred by <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/anouma-slams-caf-ruling-on-hayatou-presidency">Hayatou</a>. Hayatou introduced a rule that barred non-voting members of the CAF board from running for the presidency. It prevented Anouma from contesting. </p>
<p>The rule was eliminated under Ahmad, opening the door for Anouma to put his name forward.</p>
<p>Motsepe appears in a much stronger position than Anouma – at least at this early stage. Anouma is considered part of the old guard that held sway during the long years of Hayatou’s rule. Nevertheless, Motsepe still faces major obstacles. While his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, is an example of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/54085174">successful club ownership</a>, it hasn’t proved his football administration skills. </p>
<p>As a mining executive he clearly has the business background. But the CAF job requires political rather than business manoeuvring. The question is: would he be able to combine his business skills with politics?</p>
<p>Ahmad Yahya is an intriguing option. At 44, he is a shipping magnate and heads the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Under his leadership, Mauritania has played in the African Nations’ Championship as well as the more prestigious Africa Cup of Nations. These two achievements were quite unexpected for the country.</p>
<p>Beyond the field, he has built a modern headquarters for his federation and an academy, received a CAF award for leadership excellence, and received accolades from FIFA as an exemplar for <a href="https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/fifa-visit-mauritania-for-inauguration-of-impressive-chekha-boidiya-stadium">African football</a>. </p>
<p>Yet his candidacy may be considered early and his ability to navigate the thorny landscape of African football politics could be challenged.</p>
<p>Ahmad must still be considered the front runner. To pass him will require his opponents working together to support a single opposition candidate and canvass around the continent within a short period to have a chance of having a new CAF leader in March.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/149924/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Ahmad Ahmad, president of the Confederation of African Football, was considered a shoo-in for a second term. But the entry of South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe has brought new dynamics to the race.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1313192020-02-11T13:45:41Z2020-02-11T13:45:41ZWhy FIFA’s reform proposals could damage African football<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/314237/original/file-20200207-27538-1taixew.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Dean Furman of South Africa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Visionhaus/Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>FIFA has ended its 6-month management takeover of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). But the future of the game on the continent is still clouded with uncertainty.</p>
<p>In June last year the world football governing body effectively <a href="https://theconversation.com/fifas-intervention-in-african-football-speaks-volumes-about-failed-leadership-119560">took over</a> the running of the African body following allegations of corruption and general implosion. Now FIFA has announced its plans for CAF. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has <a href="https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/new-club-competition-quadrennial-afcon-in-fifas-vision-for-african-football/">proposed reforms</a> focused on improving the field of play. These include creation of a pool of professional referees, investment in infrastructure, creation of a pan-African Super League, initiatives in women and youth football, and the suggestion that the prized Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament should take place <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/idAFKBN1ZW08M-OZASP">less frequently</a>.</p>
<p>The world’s football governing body may argue that its intervention and reform of CAF was not a legal receivership but its new proposals – which completely revamp African football – suggests that that’s in fact what it was.</p>
<p>The changes look good on paper. But they raise questions about the direction of African football.</p>
<h2>Why the intervention</h2>
<p>Before FIFA’s intervention, the leadership of the Confederation of African Football was enmeshed in multiple corruption cases. The problems continued to pile up, including the sacking of former allies by the Confederation’s President Ahmad Ahmad, controversial management decisions, multiple legal cases, sexual harassment claims, and the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-african-football-tv-blackout-could-last-for-a-while-127244">termination</a> of crucial media contracts.</p>
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<span class="caption">CAF President Ahmad Ahmad was arrested in Paris and questioned over corruption by French Police.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Omar Zoheiry/Picture Alliance /Getty Images</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
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<p>After Ahmad was briefly <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20190607-africa-football-boss-ahmad-ahmad-released-france-without-charge-prosecutor">arrested and interrogated by French Police</a> in June as part of a corruption investigation, FIFA sent its secretary general Fatma Samoura to make changes. Claiming to have been invited by CAF, FIFA stepped in for a clean-up mission. As a start, both bodies agreed to a 6-month intervention which began in August 2019. This was concluded this January. </p>
<p>Invited or not, the unprecedented move by FIFA prompted very different responses. On the one hand it reignited talk about neo-colonialism in football. On the other, however, it highlighted the incompetence of CAF leaders.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/fifas-intervention-in-african-football-speaks-volumes-about-failed-leadership-119560">FIFA's intervention in African football speaks volumes about failed leadership</a>
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<p>At the end of the intervention, FIFA issued a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/02/03/sports/soccer/02reuters-soccer-africa.html">100-point reform</a> plan. It had also seen to a complete audit of CAF accounts.</p>
<p>Despite allegations of <a href="https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2019/05/274084/fifa-investigating-corruption-sexual-assault-caf-president/">financial mismanagement</a>, Ahmad appears to have escaped immediate repercussions. But FIFA has made recommendations to limit the powers of CAF’s executive committee.</p>
<h2>Problematic reforms</h2>
<p>Some of FIFA’s latest proposals go directly against the long-term football development strategy of CAF. One of the key elements of this was to develop fringe footballing countries.</p>
<p>The most polarising proposal by FIFA is its call to reduce the frequency of the AFCON tournament which, up until now, has been held every two years. FIFA is proposing a 4-year cycle.</p>
<p>In my view playing the game less frequently won’t be good for Africa’s most prized competition. This is because sponsors generally seek more exposure for their products and services, not less. It is therefore illogical to argue that playing less will generate more sponsorship, which is what FIFA President Gianni Infantino has argued. </p>
<p>He has also argued that a 4-year cycle will create a more exclusive tournament. But this argument lacks weight because the AFCON is already an exclusive mega-event with no substitute or rival on the continent.</p>
<p>If this proposal is adopted, the results will be double-edge: African footballers playing in European clubs will benefit from a decongested sports calendar. But playing less means fewer development opportunities for struggling African teams who benefit from constant competition against the continent’s giants. This is a conundrum that FIFA conveniently ignores.</p>
<p>How the proposal on AFCON will pan out remains to be seen. In the meantime a bigger disruption is contained in Infantino’s suggestion that an elite club league of 20-24 teams should be created. In my view this too is a bad idea. It would lead to stronger countries having multiple teams vying for the same trophy. And with over 50 countries in Africa, the law of natural selection will ensure that only a few big nations will participate. The rest will struggle to even qualify.</p>
<h2>Next steps</h2>
<p>If FIFA’s suggestions are adopted, the long-term development strategy for African football will be ditched.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=480&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/314476/original/file-20200210-109922-s50ip5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=603&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino has proposed a few reforms which might hurt African football development in the long-term.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Holmes/Getty Images</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>Contrary to how it is framed in the media, the proposals that have been tabled fail to demonstrate FIFA’s benevolence. For example, FIFA’s claims that the proposed new league will generate increased revenue for CAF does not tell the complete truth. The creation of an expanded World Clubs’ competition would benefit FIFA directly. The existence of a new competition of global value, not dominated by Europe, would increase its earning capabilities. The new elite African league would theoretically feed into a wider competition comprising strong teams with globally recognisable players. It would improve FIFA’s ability to attract generous sponsors, who would be drawn by a large global audience seeking balanced competition.</p>
<p>FIFA’s six-month receivership in Africa has left a mark on African football. Infantino is seeking to sanitise the management of the game but he is failing to incorporate a broader development plan that is inclusive of local objectives. </p>
<p>It’s hard to predict the long-term effect on the continent’s game if the proposed reforms are adopted. But creating an elite African league and reducing the frequency of a supreme tournament, while abandoning continent-wide development, would almost certainly alter the direction of African football for good.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131319/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>FIFA’s six-month receivership in Africa has left a mark on African football.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1272442019-11-19T14:33:55Z2019-11-19T14:33:55ZThe African football TV blackout could last for a while<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302395/original/file-20191119-111676-1aridki.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Aliou Mbaye/EPA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The governing body for soccer in Africa, the <a href="http://www.cafonline.com/en-us/caf/background.aspx">Confederation of African Football</a> (CAF) has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/11/08/sports/soccer/08reuters-soccer-africa.html">cancelled</a> its media and marketing rights agreement with French company, <a href="https://lagardere-se.com/">Lagardère Sports and Entertainment</a>. The impact has been felt across the world but nowhere more so than in Africa. </p>
<p>As the first round of the <a href="https://images.cafonline.com/image/upload/caf-prd/imh0bgnhdjvis8tk8fi4.pdf">qualifying games</a> for CAF’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations got underway, millions of fans were dismayed to learn that the games were blacked out on TV screens and radio stations. The same applied to CAF’s Africa U-23 tournament in Egypt. </p>
<p>The Africa Cup of Nations is widely watched on the continent and around the world. The 2012 version co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon was reportedly watched by <a href="https://ewn.co.za/2013/01/15/Record-TV-audience-underpins-Afcon-growth">6.6 billion viewers</a>. The cup is so popular that the BBC covered the 2019 final in <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/afcon">13 languages</a>. </p>
<p>The 12-year media and marketing <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/sportfive-signs-long-term-rights-deal-with-caf_sto4780800/story.shtml">contract</a> between Lagardère and CAF was hailed by many as significant when it was signed in 2015. It upped the commercial value of the African game, the rights reportedly going for about <a href="https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/lagardere-to-contest-caf-cancellation-of-agency-deal/">$1 billion</a> for a period until 2028. But it almost immediately ran into problems. </p>
<p>In 2017, <a href="https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=63944fcb-3930-4d6d-a452-6ab61580b3b0">The Egyptian Competition Authority</a> ruled that the contract was anti-competitive because it wasn’t based on an open bidding process. And then <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2489545">the Economic Court in Cairo</a> took on the matter. Egypt’s Economic Courts, often staffed by three-judge panels who are considered specialists in the case, are designed to rule quickly on commercial cases. The court confirmed, in November 2018, that CAF did not open the rights acquisition to competitive bidding. The deal with Lagardère was deemed unlawful and CAF officials were fined. </p>
<p>By the time the tournament came round again in November 2019, it would have been unlawful to continue the relationship with Lagardère, said the confederation. It said it had no choice but to <a href="https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/8/77592/CAF-terminates-billion-dollar-contract-with-Lagardere-Sports">cancel the deal</a>. </p>
<p>And with that, primary African broadcasters of CAF matches, like <a href="https://supersport.com">SuperSport</a>, the South Africa-based Pan-Africa television group, lost their rights to broadcast the matches as they had bought these from Lagardère. Only <a href="https://www.beinsports.com/en/">beIN Sports</a>, a global network of sports channels with sub-rights to transmit the games in the Americas and the Middle East, has been able to continue to broadcast games.</p>
<p>To understand the issues that led to this latest blow to the development of African football audiences, it’s best to consider the issues from the viewpoints of the key parties.</p>
<h2>The key players</h2>
<p><strong>CAF</strong>: The organisation was founded in 1957. It organises continent-wide football from its headquarters in Cairo. The confederation is no stranger to controversy. It recently made headlines for <a href="https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/caf-fires-general-secretary-amid-fresh-allegations-against-president/">firing</a> a high ranking official and its operations management being <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-nations-caf/fifa-expected-to-take-over-the-running-of-african-football-idUSKCN1TL0UP">taken over</a> by the International Federation of Football Associations. </p>
<p>Back in 2017 when CAF was under the presidency of <a href="https://mg.co.za/article/2017-03-15-african-soccer-supremo-issa-hayatou-faces-challenger-in-bid-for-eighth-term">Issa Hayatou</a>, it argued strongly that the Lagardère contract was <a href="http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContentP/6/254533/Sports/CAF-denies-Hayatou-referred-to-prosecution-in-Egyp.aspx">not in violation</a> of Egypt’s laws. </p>
<p>So why is CAF now singing a different tune? </p>
<p>First, the federation has a controversial new leader, <a href="https://mg.co.za/article/2019-06-04-00-african-footballs-new-dawn-turns-to-dusk-in-ahmads-hands">Ahmad Ahmad</a>. Ahmad became CAF president in 2017 after defeating Hayatou in an election. Ahmad immediately made it clear that he was against the deal. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=404&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302390/original/file-20191119-111630-1lbl0hb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=508&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Controversial CAF president Ahmad Ahmad at a press conference in Tunisia.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Mohamed Messara/EPA</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Criticism of the deal focused on the fact that it was a long-term commitment – 12 years is long for contracts like this, which usually run for three years. Long-term contracts can limit revenue growth. Invariably opportunities emerge in the light of new technologies to grow several revenue earning platforms. African football, particularly, is growing and increasingly there is global media interest.</p>
<p>It’s possible, said critics, that CAF could get more money out of Lagardère and that several other companies may have bid for the contract.</p>
<p><strong>Lagardère</strong>: The French company can ill afford to lose this deal. Earlier this year it <a href="http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/ddmc-fortis-pay-us4-billion-afc-rights">lost a lucrative contract</a> with the Asian Football Confederation. The <a href="https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/lagardere-lays-out-financial-impact-of-caf-move-to-terminate-contract/">CAF announcement</a> has already affected its share price on the Paris stock exchange.</p>
<p><strong>Egyptian Competition Authority:</strong> Its role is contested. Lagardère may argue that the authority has no jurisdiction over the matter. Under its former leader CAF held the same view. That has changed. </p>
<p>The contract specifies Swiss law as the legal governing instrument. But the Egyptian authority is insisting that its ruling takes precedence because the federation falls under its jurisdiction in Egypt. </p>
<p>If CAF wants to continue to operate in Egypt, it must find a way to satisfy the competition authority’s concerns.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/302443/original/file-20191119-111635-1d5h20r.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Senegalese soccer fans watch the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final on TV in a street in Dakar.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Aliou Mbaye/EPA</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What happens next?</h2>
<p>CAF and Lagardère are positioning themselves to minimise the damage from the contract termination. Lagardère has argued it was a unilateral decision, setting it up to seek huge compensation from CAF for breaking the contract. </p>
<p>CAF has denied the decision was unilateral, citing the Egyptian court rulings and hoping this line of argument will allow it to settle with Lagardère for a lower cost.</p>
<p>Ultimately, this issue is likely to be decided in one of two ways. </p>
<p>It could be decided in Switzerland’s courts. Egypt will, however, most certainly continue to assert its jurisdiction, regardless of what the Swiss courts rule. This would mean that Lagardère’s only course of action would be to seek compensation. Egypt’s competition authority would welcome such an outcome as it would force CAF to re-open bidding for the rights. </p>
<p>Alternately, Lagardère and CAF could negotiate a reasonable compensation that allows CAF to re-open bidding for rights.</p>
<p>Clearly, the tumult points to a need for long-term changes. CAF may review its relationship with its Egyptian host as well as its approaches to licensing its rights. The crisis may hasten Lagardère’s <a href="https://www.sportcal.com/News/FeaturedNews/116406">exit</a> from sports media and marketing. </p>
<p>None of these will be quick processes and it will take time before new rights holders are able to broadcast the beautiful game. In the meanwhile the rights situation will deny fans access to watch matches and will deny CAF much-needed revenue.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/127244/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chuka Onwumechili does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The African Cup of Nations is the continent’s premier soccer tournament - but it’s not being broadcast on TV as usual. Behind the blackout is a tale of court rulings and sour deals.Chuka Onwumechili, Professor of Communications, Howard UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1086102018-12-11T12:17:06Z2018-12-11T12:17:06ZWhy losing the African Cup of Nations is a heavy blow for Cameroon<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249923/original/file-20181211-76968-1danbue.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Cameroonian legend Roger Milla (C) in action against England in the 1990 World Cup.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The proud footballing nation of Cameroon is under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. This follows the announcement that they have been <a href="https://www.supersport.com/football/africa-cup-of-nations/news/181210_Afcon_2019_hosts_to_be_decided_on_January_9">stripped</a> of the hosting rights for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 <a href="http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=wSvy6GZWpzLfIv5t9y32%2fw%3d%3d">because of</a> delays with preparations as well as security concerns. </p>
<p>The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the decision after a meeting of its executive committee, saying that “a number of compliance conditions have not been met” and that it did not want to <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-za/sport/other/chaotic-cameroon-still-reeling-from-afcon-snub/ar-BBQAVqF">expose</a> the Africa Cup of Nations to</p>
<blockquote>
<p>any issues that could impact on the success of the most prestigious African competition. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>The competition is due to start in June 2019. </p>
<p>There’s no denying that hosting a large scale sporting event comes at a cost. There are years of planning and investment to ensure that the necessary infrastructural work gets done. This kind of financial commitment is daunting for any nation, but particularly for Cameroon which is ranked 93rd out of 190 nations in terms of its <a href="https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2018/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=74&pr.y=11&sy=2017&ey=2017&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=998&s=PPPGDP&grp=1&a=1#download">wealth</a>. </p>
<p>But countries opt to host events like this because they believe that there will be positive economic and social spin offs. Cameroon is no longer in a position to benefit in this way. And the decision is also a blow to its reputation, particularly given its reputation as a great footballing nation.</p>
<h2>The importance of football</h2>
<p>Football is known as the “king” sport in Cameroon. Ever since its introduction in the 1920s it’s been the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19406940.2015.1102757">number one sport</a> in the country. When the national team plays, the streets are empty and the bars are full of people. Even the local football leagues, are a favourite topic of conversation even though most matches aren’t broadcast on television.</p>
<p>The growth and popularity of football in Cameroon is largely attributed to the success of the national men’s team <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/cameroon">“The Indomitable Lions”</a> and more recently the emergence of the national women’s team “The Lionesses”. The men’s national team has played in seven FIFA World Cup competitions, more than any other African team. The women’s team <a href="https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/archive/canada2015/teams/team=1885020/profile.html">competed</a> in their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 making the last 16. </p>
<p>Even today, football fans reminisce the triumphant emergence of the men’s national team in the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=751/match=103/classic-match/index.html">1990 World Cup</a> and forward <a href="https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/roger-milla-a-player-so-remarkable-a-lie-sat-unchanged-on-wiki-for-two-months/">Roger Milla’s</a> trademark dance by the corner flag, and the men’s victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games which secured Cameroon’s first ever <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/olympicsvideo/great-olympic-moments/9365952/Cameroon-unexpectedly-win-Olympic-football-tournament-Sydney-2000.html">Olympic gold medal</a>. </p>
<h2>Politics and the people’s game</h2>
<p>But football has become more than a sport in Cameroon, with many people arguing that <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19406940.2015.1102757?needAccess=true">football is politics</a>. For instance, political interest began in the early part of 1990 after protests and calls for political reform. Luckily for <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43469758">President Paul Biya</a>, who has been ruling the West African country for <a href="https://theconversation.com/cameroon-presidential-poll-underscores-the-need-for-term-limits-104583">36 years</a>, the national team’s performances at the 1990 World Cup in Italy diverted attention from political issues.</p>
<p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1754-9469.2011.01105.x">Research studies</a> have shown that football plays a very prominent role with building a sense of nationalism and unity for Cameroonians. It’s therefore no surprise that the government has used football as bait to gain some form of stability when its power has been at stake. For example, Biya <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19406940.2015.1102757">declared</a> a national holiday as a result of the successful performance of the national team in the 1990s. </p>
<p>More recently he has taken to several news outlets and forums <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45730911">personally to defend</a> his country and argue that Cameroon is fit to host the African Cup on Nations in 2019.</p>
<h2>Likely economic and social fallout</h2>
<p>So what is the likely impact on Cameroon after losing the event?</p>
<p>Firstly, it will lose a great deal of good publicity. Hosting major sports events often helps to increase the positive profile of the host nation. In Cameroon’s case, its currently in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. </p>
<p>CAF’s decision is also likely to tarnish the Cameroon’s international reputation. And it’s likely to affect the country’s economy. The short term economic boost which is typically associated with big events is a surge in visitors, athletes and media who spend and inject money into the local economy has also been lost. </p>
<p>In the longer term, a significant benefit of hosting a prestigious competition is investment which inevitably leaves a legacy of improved sporting venues and the creation of local jobs. </p>
<p>This investment hadn’t yet got off the ground in Cameroon. Only four of the planned six stadiums have been built while three out of five cities still have <a href="http://www.africanews.com/2018/09/29/is-cameroon-ready-to-host-afcon-2019/">no accommodation</a> infrastructure. </p>
<h2>Wider instability</h2>
<p>In addition to the infrastructural delays, the CAF Security Inspection Team also noted <a href="https://af.reuters.com/article/africaSoccerNews/idAFL8N1Y55VY">wider issues</a> during its most recent visit to Cameroon. The team noted that “wider issues” could affect the success of the competition. This was a reference to the political instability in the country which has extended to some fearing that Cameroon is on the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/06/world/africa/cameroon-election-biya-ambazonia.html">brink of civil war</a>. </p>
<p>Cameroon’s ruthless military crackdown on a separatist movement in Anglophone regions has led to claims of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/may/30/cameroon-killings-escalate-anglophone-crisis">genocide</a>. Cameroon also continues to contend with the enduring <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/central-africa/cameroon/263-extreme-nord-du-cameroun-nouveau-chapitre-dans-la-lutte-contre-boko-haram">terrorist threat</a> of Boko Haram attacks as the terrorist sect remains operative in the country’s far north.</p>
<p>CAF’s decision means that an urgent call is now out for new host country bids to ensure that AFCON 2019 takes place as planned. The plan is to announce the new host in early 2019.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/108610/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jo Clarke does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Cameroon being stripped off hosting the Africa Cup of Nations affects its international reputation and is likely to impact the economy.Jo Clarke, Lecturer in Sport Business Management, Sheffield Hallam UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1085142018-12-11T12:17:05Z2018-12-11T12:17:05ZConflict in Cameroon is extracting a heavy toll on ordinary people<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/249637/original/file-20181210-76986-1u81riy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Cameroon's President Paul Biya being sworn in for a seventh consecutive term on the 6th November 2018.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA-EFE/Etienne MainimoO</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has let Cameroon’s President Paul Biya <a href="https://allafrica.com/stories/201812070518.html">know</a> that his nation will no longer host the 2019 African Nations Cup competition. The decision is a humiliation. Once a powerhouse of Africa’s football, Cameroon’s reputation had dropped significantly. </p>
<p>CAF’s decision serves as a reminder that the country is sinking, and something must be done. </p>
<p>Until a few years ago Cameroon was a nation on the move. Despite its many political, economic and social problems, the country was peaceful, attracted people from all over for tourism, business, and education.</p>
<p>For example the University of Dayton had, over two decades, run immersion programmes in the country, and so did many other <a href="https://www.amazon.com/African-Immersion-American-Students-Cameroon/dp/1498502377/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1544384992&sr=1-1&keywords=african+immersion">American universities</a>. Cameroon was also an international centre where major conferences, symposia, and cultural activities <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yaounde.business/photos/a.1123314361034640/1218116334887775/?type=1&theater">took place</a>. </p>
<p>The nation was a major banking centre, as well as host to Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote’s many activities, and more recently the proposed site of <a href="https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/cameroon-agrees-158-mn-car-manufacturing-deal-with-india-and-china/47651785">car assembly plants</a> to be constructed by Indian and Chinese businesses. And the list goes on.</p>
<p>But the Anglophone conflict has taken its toll. A peaceful protest which began three years ago against the marginalisation of Anglophone Cameroon quickly turned violent as some <a href="https://theconversation.com/history-explains-why-cameroon-is-at-war-with-itself-over-language-and-culture-85401">called for the region’s complete secession</a> from Cameroon to form the Ambazonia Republic. As a result Cameroon’s military force and the Ambazonia Defence force have been locked in a deadly embrace with no end in sight. </p>
<p>Already in the 7th term of office as president, Biya’s obsession with <a href="https://theconversation.com/biya-needs-to-devise-a-monumental-shift-if-cameroon-is-to-turn-the-corner-106254">a military solution</a> to the crisis has exacerbated tensions, as well as the misery of ordinary people. </p>
<p>Beneath CAF’s rationale that Cameroon was ill-ready, ill-equipped and ill-prepared to host the games was a sense that the country is deeply insecure. The cities of Limbe and Buea in the heartland of Anglophone Cameroon were going to host the games. But <a href="https://cameroondailyjournal.com/anglophone-crisis-in-cameroonkumba-buea-bambili-the-macabre-results-of-clashes-on-monday">routine</a> kidnappings, attacks, road closings, and killings in the region would have undermined the essence of the games.</p>
<p>CAF’s announcement coincided with the failure of a last-ditch effort by His Eminence Cardinal Christian Tumi to broker peace and convene an All Anglophone Conference. But the <a href="https://cameroondailyjournal.com/ambazonia-war-cameroon-misses-a-golden-opportunity-to-pull-out-of-the-anglophone-crisis/">culture of threats</a>, and Cameroon government’s failure to grant a permit for the conference to take place meant that it was doomed.</p>
<p>Ordinary people have called on Cardinal Tumi not to give up. The conference, they note, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxgOVFwEL6Q">must go on</a>. Many Cameroonians are desperate for a <a href="https://www.afrinik.com/women-call-for-dialogue-and-demand-peace-in-cameroon">peaceful solution to the conflict</a>.</p>
<p>As the brickbats fell, conditions for communities in the Anglophone region continue to deteriorate. And while debates continue to rage about the rights and wrongs of widely publicised suggested solutions such as federalism, decentralisation, and secession, ordinary people continue to chafe in their daily lives. </p>
<h2>What’s being lost</h2>
<p>As the warring factions stand eyeball to eyeball waiting to see who will blink first, few are asking how the outcome of the struggle will change the lives of ordinary people in the region.</p>
<p>Yet the impact has been enormous. There are immense economic and social consequences which have transformed communities and their way of life. </p>
<p>Cameroonians who would go home for Christmas holidays and other festivities no longer do so. Their spending stimulated the economy. In email correspondences and responses to questionnaires with people in Kumba and Buea, local people are noting that Cameroonians living in other countries are no longer coming home for their holidays. As a result businesses, such as hotels, are barely holding on. </p>
<p>There has been more profound economic consequences. The region’s main agrobusiness facility, the Cameroon Development Corporation, the heart of the region’s economy, <a href="http://www.cameroonconcordnews.com/southern-cameroons-crisis-cdc-shuts-down-key-estates">is in ruins</a>. Plantations which produce palm oil are no longer operational. Workers at banana plantations are <a href="https://observers.france24.com/en/20180829-banana-plantation-anglophone-cameroon-attack">brutalised</a> and rubber processors have been repeatedly <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/armed-groups-attack-cameroon-plantation-workers/4643961.html">attacked</a>. Families that depended on cocoa for livelihood now face a <a href="http://www.cameroonintelligencereport.com/southern-cameroons-crisis-hits-palm-oil-cocoa-production/">life of destitution</a>.</p>
<p>Another disturbing aspect of the conflict is the gradual erosion of key parts of people’s culture. Funeral celebrations are a significant aspect of Cameroonian culture. But in conversations with people, it appears these festivities are disappearing. Irrespective of where people reside, Cameroonians typically prefer their burial sites to be in their village of origin. But not anymore. Increasingly, people are buried anywhere possible. </p>
<p>Visits to burial sites of friends and family members have turned into a deadly experience. For example, going to Lewoh in Lebialem, <a href="http://www.cameroonintelligencereport.com/battle-for-lebialem-huge-explosion-rocks-lewoh-near-a-catholic-school/">is unthinkable</a> because of the violence.</p>
<p>And there is more. In communities in Anglophone Cameroon, basic services such as trash collection <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxgOVFwEL6Q">no longer exist</a>. Trash is piling up in the cities. And corpses can be seen on roadways. Businesses that traditionally operated in the evenings have been bankrupted. </p>
<p>The list of hardship goes on. School buildings remain empty. And both refugees and internally displaced people are nowhere close to returning to their homes. </p>
<h2>Time to re-assess</h2>
<p>The recurring accusation is <em>La Republique</em> has <a href="https://www.bareta.news/cameroun-army-chief-admits-atrocities-civilians/">caused these problems</a>. But it’s not all the fault of <em>La Republique</em>. Given that some of the attacks are undertaken by Anglophones, they have become accomplices to the violence. No wonder ordinary people are increasingly asking more direct questions about the benefits of the revolt they were promised.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/108514/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Julius A. Amin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Ordinary people are being deeply affected by the continued violence tearing apart Cameroon.Julius A. Amin, Professor, Department of History, University of DaytonLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.