Africa Cup of Nations has to be treated the same as European Championships, says Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira
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ByEurosport
Updated 24/12/2021 at 16:21 GMT
There had been speculation that the already-delayed Africa Cup of Nations might be postponed for a second time because of the Covid-19 pandemic and concern over the Omicron variant. However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said earlier this week that it will go ahead as planned. Vieira believes the competition should not be seen as an interference but as a vital tournament for Africa.
Patrick Vieira
Image credit: Getty Images
Patrick Vieira says the Africa Cup of Nations is important for the continent and that it should be treated the same as the European Championships.
Premier League clubs may be able to delay releasing players to the AFCON until as late as January 3 with the tournament to start in Cameroon only six days later.
Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe are among those set to take part. Palace players Wilfried Zaha, Jeffrey Schlupp, Cheikhou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew are also all set to play at AFCON.
Vieira believes everyone must understand the importance of the tournament and that he would never prevent a player from competing in the competition.
“I respect and I understand the passion and importance of those players to go and represent their country," he said. "I will never stop any players going to the Africa Cup of Nations.
I believe that competition has to be more respected because this competition is as important as the European Championship.
“With Senegal, I don’t think people understand [Sadio] Mane or Cheikhou Kouyate not representing their nation. If there was more coverage people will understand how important it is for the African continent.”
Palace take on London rivals Tottenham on Boxing Day and the former Arsenal midfielder says he is expecting to receive a hostile reception from his old rivals.
“I think [Spurs is] a really difficult place to go," he added.
The atmosphere, the players’ energy when they play at home is really good. We know what to expect, so what is important for us is to play with courage, with confidence and belief and to give ourselves the best chance to get the result.
"We know it’s going to be difficult, but we can make it difficult for them as well. I am expecting more than just a couple of boos.”
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