Soccer News of Saturday, 19 January 2008

Source: GNA

Timing for Nations Cup would never change - Hayatou

Accra, Jan 19, GNA - President of the Confederation of Africa Football, (CAF) Alhaji Issa Hayatou has reiterated that the timing for the Africa Cup of Nations would never change from January to June as being proposed by European clubs and other stakeholders.

"Yes we can consider the odd years but the timing would never change from January to June because that would be the end to African football". He stated.

Alhaji Hayatou said "I'm the CAF President but I don't have the final say, but there are some possibilities in the proposals and we would look at that at the right time".

Addressing a Press Conference in Accra on Saturday, Alhaji Hayatou said the association has held informal discussions on the possibilities of hosting the event in odd years but the issue would be put before the Executive Committee for further discussions and Congress as well. CAF has for the past years come under intense pressure from both European clubs and some Africa players to change the Nation's Cup from January to June but which others think the weather pattern in African would not be suitable and appropriate to implement.