Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – On Sunday, the Confederation of African Football (CNN) issued a strongly worded statement, in response to the statements made by the president of the Italian club Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, about African players and the African Nations Championship.
De Laurentiis had stated that he would not sign players from the continent of Africa, unless they provided guarantees that they would not participate with their national teams in the African Nations Cup, which is held during the middle of the season every two years.
“We are appalled by the irresponsible and unacceptable statements made by the Napoli president, regarding African players and the Africa Cup of Nations,” CAF said in its statement.
“We urge UEFA to open a disciplinary investigation against the Napoli president,” the statement added.
“We are committed to the role that football plays in different continents of the world to unite people of all cultures, races and religions. We have no doubt that Napoli and UEFA are as committed as we are to these humanitarian goals.”
And “CAF” asked: “Will the president of Naples impose the same restrictions on the players of South America, Asia and the rest of the continents other than Africa?”
He continued, “The Africa Cup of Nations is our main tournament, and one of the world’s leading football tournaments. The matches of the last edition were broadcast in more than 160 countries, and attracted more than 600 million viewers.”