Soccer News of Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Source: GNA

CAF honours Ex-Secretary with CHAN Fair Play rights

Accra, Feb. 25, GNA - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conferred its former General Secretary, Mourad Fahmy, with the honour of the Fair Play trophy at the ongoing African Nations Champions (CHAN).

The Egyptian served as the third scribe in the history of the continent's soccer governing body from 1961 to 1982. A CAF Official told the GNA Sports in Abidjan that the decision constitutes a posthumous honour for the contribution of the veteran football administrator who passed away some few years ago for the development of African football.

According to the official, the Mourad Fahmy Trophy will be presented to the top-most team on the fair play chart based on the assessment of the Technical Study Group and Match Commissioners. The criteria for the selection of the Fair Play team include cautions accrued (yellow and red cards), positive play, respect towards opponent and referee, behaviour of team officials and fans at the tournament designed for footballers playing in their country of birth. Points criteria for each of the categories range from five (maximum) to one (minimum).

The late Mourad Fahmy was succeeded by his son, Mustapha Fahmy who has served as the General Secretary of CAF since 1982. In 2004, FIFA presented Mourad Fahmy with a posthumous Centennial Order of Merit during its centenary celebrations.