To avoid future competitions being played in the same year as a World Cup, AFCON 2013 starts the switch to odd-numbered years. This is a step in the right direction by CAF and needs to be followed with moving the tournament to the Summer. This will attract foreign based players and fit better into the FIFA calendar.
For several years European clubs have asked CAF to rethink the tournament's schedule and I think it's about time to do so. Several clubs will miss their African players and may suffer a disadvantage in their various leagues. This can be avoided by scheduling the tournament when the league seasons have been concluded. It should be recalled that these clubs pay the players' salaries and shouldn't need to lose their services. Sometimes it even gets worse when the players return from international duty injured and unable to play for their teams.
A benefit of a Summer AFCON is increased coverage. In years bereft of the World Cup or Euro's, the tournament can easily take center stage and similar to the Copa America garner worldwide interest.
Additionally, there is always the potential for breakthrough stars to be discovered by clubs who can spend more resources scouting new players. It will also allow players seeking clubs to play at their very best and showcase their talents.
It amazes me that AFCON still remains on the FIFA calendar as I don't understand how a continental competition clashes with league competitions. It is clear to me that Africa and Asia (the last AFC Asian cup was also played in the month of January) are not rated highly enough or have stubborn continental associations. How else can this conflict be permitted?
More players would be likely to attend if AFCON was scheduled after the season ended. This will surely make the competition more attractive and competitive. There will be no reluctance of clubs to release players and none of that club vs country nonsense.
Let's hope the big wigs at CAF take note and push for a change to the Summer in 2015.
Good write up but I hate to be the one to break this to u, but AFCON is being played in summer! For real though, January is summer in sub saharan Africa. Which brings me to the main issue, if play AFCON in "summer", we will just be showcasing a comedy of rainball to the rest of the world. Unlike Qatar we can't build airconditioned indoor stadia. The pitched we have right now don't exactly fair too well when they are wet. So what will happen is that the same UEFA clubs will scream that sending "their" players to play on water logged pitches exposes them to injury..... although this may be minor compared to the hail of bullets we exposed them to in Angola. Bottom line is the clubs will continue to whine..... I think the odd year AFCON is a reasonable compromise. - Akan
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. My climate references are "European-based" to reflect the perspective of the clubs.
ReplyDeleteRain-ball isn't that bad :-) and like you say could be hilarious. I still think the pros outweigh the weather "con". If the competition is scheduled for late July-August it could take advantage of the "August break" in the most affected regions. Besides "local" leagues like the NPL run during "Summer" so it can't be THAT bad.