CAF's own goal leaves AFCON's image on the line

The AFCON finals always have critics ready to pounce, with clubs in Europe, particularly unhappy with its timing. In fact, in Europe, where the majority of top African players ply their trade, the competition has always been viewed as a distraction, or rather, an irritant. The majority do not like it as clubs are mandated to release players for international duty, losing their top stars for up to a month. It is for this reason that coaches like Klopp described it as a little tournament. In Africa, however, it has remained dear to millions who religiously follow the competition that has seen viewership grow in recent years. CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, has been roundly praised for engineering the revolution of an organisation that had for years been known for corruption and ineptitude.

But one key decision this week could be about to throw the spanners in the works and provide abundant fodder not only for CAF but African football in general.