By Victor Kanayo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has now launched investigation following Morocco’s complaint over statements made by the grandson of Nelson Mandela, Zwelivelile Mandela at the opening ceremony of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
CAF in a press statement via its official website said it has been informed that certain political statements were made during the opening ceremony of the CHAN in Algeria on Friday.
“These political statements are not the statements of CAF and do not reflect the views or opinions of CAF as a politically neutral organisation.
“CAF will investigate and look into the political statements and events at the opening ceremony of the CHAN Algeria 2022 and assess whether there was compliance with the CAF and FIFA Regulations and Statutes. CAF will give an update in this regard in due course,” CAF statement said.
In the opening ceremony of the continental tournament, the Algerian regime invited Nelson Mandela’s grandson who delivered an anti-Morocco political speech attacking the country’s territorial integrity.
In addition to the politicisation of the CHAN’s launching ceremony, Algerian fans in the stadium were filmed chanting offensive slogans comparing Moroccans to animals.
Morocco is not taking part in the tournament as the Algerian government rejected the country’s request for its team to fly directly to Constantine, the Algerian city where its games were scheduled to be played.
The continent football body has declared that it is under an obligation and a duty, in accordance with its Regulations and Statutes and those of FIFA not to participate or get involved in politics and to be neutral on matters of a political nature.
