‘FIFA Club World Cup Dates 'Disrespectful' to Africa’
The new scheduling of the FIFA Club World Cup is "disrespectful" to Africa, according to former Egypt international Mido.
The world governing body's tournament was set to take place in December but is now set to be held between February 3 to 12 in the United Arab Emirates after Japan pulled out as host because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The revised dates are set to clash with the culmination of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will see the continent's national champions crowned in the final on 6 February in Cameroon.
"FIFA deciding to hold the Club World Cup while AFCON is going on is a sign of disrespect to African football," former Ajax and Tottenham striker Mido said on Twitter yesterday.
"It wouldn't have been the case with the Euros or Copa America."
The Club World Cup sees the winners of the continental cups in FIFA's six confederations, along with the UAE league champions, compete to become world club champions.
Al Ahly are Africa's representatives this season and could be without several players in the UAE depending on their respective countries' progress at the Nations Cup.
The Egyptian giants, holders of the CAF Champions League will face CF Monterrey of Mexico when they enter the competition in the second round, which is likely to take place on the same day as the Nations Cup final.
The winners of that match will face newly-crowned Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
Champions League holders Chelsea will play either Al Hilal, Al Jazira or Auckland City in the other last-four tie at the tournament.