The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has called on African nations to ensure that visiting football teams are treated with respect and dignity.
This statement comes in the wake of a troubling incident involving the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, who were reportedly detained for hours at a Libyan airport after their flight was unexpectedly diverted.
The African football governing body has since initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with findings expected to be disclosed to the public soon.
Motsepe, addressing the matter, emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and assured that CAF will take appropriate measures based on the outcome.
Motsepe strongly expressed that CAF will not tolerate any actions that undermine sportsmanship and the spirit of the game.
He said, “It is the lack of sportsmanship that has overtaken and taken effect. I just want to repeat that we are proud of those nations that treat visiting teams and visiting football clubs with the respect and dignity that they deserved, and who also treat them in the same way they want to be treated when they visit those countries.
“So I want to repeat that we are reviewing those laws and we want to emphasise sportsmanship. When a national team or football club visits, treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and if there are violations of those rules, then we will take action.”
