"
Guineans are disappointed
", reacted Monday the spokesman of the Guinean government after the decision of the African Football Confederation (CAF) to withdraw from his country the organization of the African Cup of Nations (CAN-2025) .
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"
It's a disappointment because, once again, like in many international organizations, the financial lobby is more powerful than the realities
," government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo said in an interview. with AFP in Paris.
"Infrastructure and equipment are not suitable"
“
We are almost three years away from the deadline;
the biggest stadiums that we build today are built in 24 months (...) The idea of saying that it is not possible to build all these infrastructures in 24 months, that is a prejudice
,” the spokesperson said.
Read alsoFoot: the African confederation withdraws the organization of CAN 2025 from Guinea
“
Unfortunately, that's how football is run.
It's not just sporting, there are other realities that go into the decisions
, ”he said.
CAF announced on Friday evening the withdrawal of CAN-2025 from Guinea "
because in the current state, the infrastructures and equipment are not adapted or ready for CAF to host (the CAN) in Guinea
" .
The CAN was "a presidential priority"
Algeria will be a candidate for the organization of the competition in place of Guinea, announced on Saturday the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Zefizef Djahid.
“
Guineans are disappointed because the president of the transition has mobilized a lot of energy and financial means to make this event a presidential priority
,” the spokesman added on Monday.
"
The good news for us is that the president is determined to continue the investments that are announced in road and building infrastructure
," he said.
“
To be champion, you have to fall several times but get up every time
,” added this former top wrestler.
“
We take this as a challenge for Guineans to ensure that their country can meet the criteria that allow the organization of a competition.
The disappointment is there, but it is an encouraging disappointment
,” he concluded.
