The Algerian federation speaks of a "cowardly aggression".
Several media from the Maghreb country claim that three journalists were attacked on Sunday evening in the streets of Douala, Cameroon, where they are to cover the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. According to the DZ Foot website, one of whose representatives figure among the victims, the facts occurred near the hotel where they reside during the competition and were committed by "an unidentified group" and "in possession of knives".
“Individuals threatened journalists and extorted their property, not without using violence.
A meager loot consisting of three cell phones, a bag and a passport, was obtained after many stabs.
The Algerian journalists, affected, managed to quickly escape the area and their days are not in danger ", tells the media, which wishes to express" its indignation ".
An investigation opened according to the federation
The Algerian football federation (FAF) reacted on Monday morning via a press release in which it “strongly condemns” the aggression. In her text posted on its official website, she does not explicitly describe stabbing, but affirms that one of the three journalists "slightly injured was transferred to a health structure for treatment". According to the FAF, the Cameroonian authorities have opened an investigation.
"The FAF is indignant at such an incident, the day of the inauguration of this continental event, yet placed under the seal of fraternity and fair play, on and outside the stadiums," the statement continued, where DZ Foot calls on the African Football Confederation, the organizing committee of this CAN and Cameroon to "guarantee sufficient security conditions for all the actors of this CAN, whether they are on the ground or outside".
CAN 2022 started Sunday with the victory of the host country over Burkina Faso (2-1).
Algeria, defending champion and favorite to his own succession, start Tuesday (2 p.m.) against Sierra Leone.
