Director defends maiden inductees of CAF Hall of Fame
Ayotunde Adelakun, Director of the newly-formed Confederation of African Football (CAF) Hall of Fame, has defended the choice of its maiden inductees.
CAF President Issa Hayaotu and Joseph Sepp Blatter, President of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) were inducted into the esteemed hall on the sidelines of the CAF Congress in Marrakech, Morocco last week, but the choices of the two football administrators has received criticisms.
“The Hall of Fame is not just for football players on the pitch. Our desire is to have a Hall that would celebrate everyone who has had something or other to do with the growth and development of football in Africa over the years”, Adelakun told GNA Sports.
“What makes football complete is not just the players. There are coaches, referees and administrators. We have awarded Hall of Fame status to two people who have been ever-present in the running of football for as long as anyone can remember.”
The Director also rubbished reports that the duo bribed their into the hall, insisting that their nominations was on merit.
“Mr Hayatou has been running football since the 1970s, and became CAF President in 1988. Blatter, on the other hand, first courted Africa in 1976, that was 37 years ago and he has remained steadfast in his support for Africa since then. How can anyone feign ignorance of these facts?” he quizzed.
“For these men to have been involved that long, regardless of what critics can pin down on them, let’s face it – they must have also been doing something right.
“Administrators set the stage for players to excel. If there was no organised football in Africa; without an African Cup and a World Cup, where would these players be?”
Explaining the concept, he called the attention of the football public to get involved adding “we want the public involved. Choose who you think is worthy of being in the Hall of Fame. It’s a project for all fans and lovers of football.
“Through our website and our Facebook pages, we want you to connect with us and give us your opinion. Your nominations will be considered and the next investiture ceremonies, hopefully in October, will reflect public choices”, Adelakun concluded.
Source: GNA