President Mustapha Berraf, speaking on behalf of ANOCA, referred to the delicate issue which, according to him, might jeopardize sport development in Africa.

«The issue on the project to revise the world football calendar might have serious consequences on African sport.

This prospect will have extremely negative effects, first by putting wonderful sports in the background, and by widening the gap between women sports and the rest, thus annihilating all huge efforts made in the domain of gender equality. Furthermore, we should also consider the health of these athletes, because professional football players are not mere robots. There are other aims and objectives than just yielding additional financial resources.

Sport and Olympic values are a school of life which we must protect at all costs.»

ANOCA President called on the audience to stand as one man to reject this proposal.