Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has criticised the Confederation of African Football for agreeing that players partaking in the Africa Cup of Nations only need to be released seven days before the tournament.
FIFA made the announcement last week, stating “the same principle used for the FIFA World Cup 2022” which also took place during the European autumn/winter period.
As a consequence, the release period for this year’s AFCON was reduced to seven days before the tournament, meaning players only need to be released on 15 December.
However, Khumalo insisted CAF should’ve put their foot down and protect African football more.
“I think CAF should learn they need to protect African football,” he said on Soccerzone.
“We understand that the bulk of players are coming from Africa, but also we have our own tournament that they need to respect.
“CAF also needs to be very wary of when and how they stage this tournament because now it contradicts the contracts of the players that are playing in Europe.
“If you look at it you might think FIFA is at fault, but it’s CAF. If they went to approach CAF, CAF should’ve stood their ground and said ‘no, we are starting this tournament on 21st or whatever day, but players need to be released three or two weeks before because what is the coach doing with seven days.
“Maybe on the other hand, it’s good for Bafana because 90% are local.”
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