Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO, Fernando Carro has voiced his displeasure over the timing and schedule of the African Cup of Nations tournament.
Fernando Carro, who took over the reins at the club in 2018, is exploring the possibility of taking legal action to prevent Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella from representing the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Spaniard’s major concern is the devastating effect that the players’ absence will cause in the team, as it will most likely lead to a disruption in the team balance and synergy.
The 2023 AFCON finals are set to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, a timing that has raised concerns for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen as they may be without five key players during the competition.
Amine Adli (Morrocco), Odillon Kousonnou (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface (Nigeria) are widely tipped to be chosen by their country to feature at the tournament, and that baffles Carro.
Carro, is an influential member of the European Club Association (ECA) and has voiced strong criticism regarding the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Carro is contemplating taking legal action to prevent these players from participating in the tournament, saying it is unacceptable that the Africa Cup is being played in the middle of the season.”
“It is unacceptable that the Africa Cup is being played in the middle of the season. To change that, I’ll have to get into a legal dispute with FIFA. We’re also considering a legal means of not having to release the players,” Carro stated in revealed by Sport1.
Tapsoba and Victor Boniface are undisputed starters for Die Werkself, and although the team have strength in depth, the specific dynamics of both players will be sorely missed, should they be called up for the AFCON tournament.
