UEFA Must Punish Aurelio De Laurentiis For His Comment On African Players – CAF

The CAF has come out to condemn Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis over his recent remarks regarding African players. The association recently had its say via a press statement, and fans have been reacting.

According to CAF, they are very appalled by the irresponsible and unacceptable remarks made by Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis days ago, and they believe that his comment is likely to fall under Article 14 of the Uefa disciplinary regulations.

The body added that despite the offensive remark, CAF will remain committed to the role that football plays in Africa, Europe, North and South America, Asia, which is bringing together and uniting people of different cultures, language groups, races, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds.

It read, “CAF is appalled by the irresponsible and unacceptable remarks made by Napoli president, Mr. Aurelio De Laurentiis, on African players and the Africa Cup of Nations.”

“By publicly declaring that players who sign for Napoli must sign a waiver denouncing participation in the Africa Cup of Nations as a condition of employment, De Laurentiis’ comments are likely to fall under Article 14 of the Uefa disciplinary regulations. Caf, therefore, urges Uefa to initiate a disciplinary investigation against him.”

“Caf is committed to the role that football plays in Africa, Europe, North and South America, Asia, and globally in bringing together and uniting people of different cultures, language groups, races, ethnic groups, and religious backgrounds,”

“We have no doubt that Napoli and Uefa are as committed as Caf is to these global humanitarian objectives.”

“Are we to assume that the Chairman of Napoli is going to include similar restrictive conditions for players from South America, Asia, and other confederations, prohibiting them from playing in their continental competitions, which are important for the development and growth of football globally?”

“The African Cup of Nations is the flagship competition of the African continent and one of the leading global football competitions. Its last edition in Cameroon was shown in more than 160 countries and attracted more than 600 million viewers.”