Former Egypt international, Mido has hit out at world governing body FIFA for staging the Club World Cup at the same time as the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The club competition was earlier scheduled for December, but will now hold from February 3 to 12, 2022, in the United Arab Emirates, while the AFCON finals will take place from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon.
The tournament which was initially planned for June, was pushed back due to fixture congestion caused by the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on football.
As a result, FIFA announced in March 2020 that they would postpone the expanded Club World Cup to later in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
Reacting to the postponed tournament, Mido, who played for several clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough, and West Ham United, said the world body has disrespected Africans with the decision.
“Fifa deciding to hold the Club World Cup while Afcon is going on is a sign of disrespect to African football,” the former Ajax star as quoted by BBC Sports.
“It wouldn’t have been the case with the Euros or Copa America.”
The draw for the competition was conducted on Monday with Chelsea set to face Auckland City, Al Jazira, or Al Hilal in the semi-finals.
Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal will face the winner between hosts Al Jazira and New Zealand side Auckland, while Egyptian giants Al Ahly will take on Mexican side Monterrey and the winner will face Copa Libertadores winner Palmeiras in the semis.
Bayern Munich are the defending champions, but will not defend their title after being eliminated in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
African champions Al Ahly take part for a second successive time having finished third in the previous edition.
