Before the Africa Cup of Nations, Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), was asked by this reporter whether he could guarantee, after the unprecedented loss of life and injuries at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon, during the tournament in 2022, that no similar incidents would occur in Ivory Coast.
“Whatever happens at the Africa Cup of Nations, as the president of Caf I am responsible,” Motsepe said. “Having to look into the eyes of the victims, and their families, after the tragedy [in Yaoundé], is one of the hardest things that I have to do in my life … I have had extensive discussions and consultations with president [Alassane] Ouattara and the Ivorian authorities, to ensure that people are safe and secure during this tournament.”
