Yes, there’s risk, but there are many advantages associated with shifting AFCON from winter to summer.
The possibility of shifting the biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournament (AFCON) from the traditional winter period to the summer has long been a topic of debate, especially in Africa. But the debate was put to rest a few days ago.
Courtesy: Home Sporting Tribune
The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) passed a proposal shifting the scheduling of AFCON from January to June and July. The body also announced that the number of tournament participants will increase from 16 to 24 teams.
While some analysts believe that shifting to Summer is a good step forward, others think it may cause more harm than good.
Just how risky is the decision? And is it worth the risk?
Jose Mourinho responded enthusiastically to the shift, saying: “If that’s the change, then it’s fantastic for us. Obviously, because it’s hard in the middle of the season to lose players like we do, and with so many African players playing in the best competitions in Europe it’s not good for the clubs, it’s not good for the competitions and it’s not good for the players.”
His opinion was reiterated by Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp: “When we signed Mo Salah, I was already thinking, ‘Oh my God, in one-and-a-half years we lose both in the winter.’ But that’s not happening now, so that gives us two more players in the winter time. That’s very good.”
No doubt, many (if not all) European club managers will agree with Mourinho and Klopp. Many African players will. too.
No doubt many African players will find relief in the shift.
Deciding whether to sacrifice club-for-country has been a confusing decision for many African players. It’s no wonder, then, that the likes of Liverpool’s Joel Matip, West Brom’s Allan Nyom, and five other African players declined to play for Cameroon–the team that eventually won the 2017 tournament. They stuck with commitments that had with their respective clubs.
Now the decision will be much easier to make. African players playing abroad will be able to participate in the tournament and concentrate on winning the competition.
Sadio Mane (photo, Daily Express)
European clubs will also benefit from the change. The unavailability of key African players in the past has had a negative impact on the performance of European clubs. A good example is Sadio Mane, who left Liverpool to join Senegalese teammates at AFCON 2017 last January. His temporary loss proved costly for the club, which won only one of the eight games played during his absence.
Another good thing about the shift to summer is that professional clubs will no longer have to worry about players getting injured in January, disabling their return during the remainder of the pro season.
Fans are beneficiaries, too, especially those in Africa. Fans have had to make a patriotic choice between watching their countries play or watching their favourite pro teams play. Many a fan has decided to forfeit the AFCON games to watch their favourite club.
But there’s also a downside associated with the summer shift. The hot weather condition of many African countries is an obstacle. Players will have to battle dehydration and fatigue.
There’s a way to manage that issue. China gave players water breaks during pre-season matches recently. CAF should do the same thing.
All in all, I like the shift. Until now AFCON was the only continental competition not played in the summer.
Yes, shifting from winter to summer holds some risk. But I think it’s a risk well worth taking!
