CAF retreats following Tunisian threat of boycotting the AFCON 2023 qualifiers
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 09.04.22. | 14:06
Qualifying dates have been changed shortly after Tunisia suggested they may skip the tournament to concentrate on preparations for the 2022 World Cup
Wadie Jary, president of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), said the country could boycott AFCON 2023 qualifiers if they were not moved to next year, so they could concentrate on preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
"If CAF doesn't change the dates, then it becomes a problem," Jary told Tunisian TV station Attessia.
"It becomes a question of whether we participate in this AFCON or not if it will distract from our World Cup preparations.
"At that point, the question will arise: 'Will we sacrifice the 2023 AFCON or not?'. I hope it doesn't get that far and we come to find a solution with CAF."
So shots were fired, and CAF reacted almost instantly - withdrawing from their previous standpoint and postponing qualifying games from June this year to March next year to avoid the Tunisian boycott.
As per BBC Sport Africa, CAF has approved modifications to the schedule, moving two matches from June to March next year.
Moving two games from June can allow two friendly matches to be arranged or for players to be rested.
.jpg)
However, September's international window, when African sides would still face key AFCON qualifiers, is the last one available to national teams prior to naming their World Cup squads.
Clubs then have to release players on 14 November, a week before the first group matches in Qatar.
SAT: 17.30: (1.72) ARSENAL (3.50) BRIGHTON (5.40)
The AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast is scheduled for June and July next year, with the qualifying group draw set to be conducted on Tuesday, April 19.
.jpg)
