KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: The African football confederation has insisted that, despite speculation to the contrary, the finals of the African Cup of Nations will go ahead as planned in Cameroon next month.

This prospect will anger European clubs who have threatened to refuse to release players because of their own fixtures and pandemic problems.

Confirmation of the go-ahead came from CAF president Patrice Mostepe after a meeting with Cameroon state President Paul Biya.

Motsepe, elected to head African football only last summer, said: “I will arrive in Cameroon on January 7 to watch football. I will be at the Olembé stadium on the 9th with my family to see Cameroon play Burkina Faso. I will also be there on February 6 to present the cup.”

Turning to foreign club concerns, Motsepe said: “We will work together with all the clubs. In addition, we are guided by the FIFA rules, which prevent clubs from retaining a player called up by the national team for an official match. 

“We all have to work together, with Europe, China and America. All of us who love football. But we have a duty to develop our continent.

“I am convinced that African football is among the best in the world but we also want to make our football become a world centre of excellence.” 

Some 38 English-based players could be called away to play in the tournament.

President Biya supported Motsepe’s vote of confidence in the tournament.

He said: “I had a very fruitful meeting with the CAF president. The most important thing is his commitment. A great job has been done to ensure that it is an event that will make the Cameroonian people proud, as well as the from all over Africa.”

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