The President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF Issa Hayatou regrets the attack of the Togolese delegation prior to their arrival for the Nations Cup in Cabinda, Angola.
In an interview with CAF website Mr. Hayatou said: “We regretted the absence of Togo who withdrew from the competition, because they were never excluded as claimed.
“We maintained the competition as it was originally planned, same as in 1996 following the withdrawal of Nigeria. Togo has indicated, during the opening ceremony that they were prepared to compete three days after the date of his first game. We advised after holding a special meeting at the stadium (11 November Stadium) that we were not able to accede to their request. We regret that Togo has withdrawn its team, but it was their choice,” Hayatou maintained.
The CAF Boss insisted that the soccer ruling body did not do anything wrong;
“We have from initial day taken all measures within the jurisdiction of the CAF. On Friday, moments after we heard of the incident, the CAF President and First Vice President, Seyi Memene headed for Cabinda.
“Later, I was informed of the death of two members of Togo delegation. On Saturday morning, after an appointment scheduled with Angolan Prime Minister, accompanied by nearly all members of the Executive Committee, I visited the team of Togo to offer condolences and inform them that it remains their decision to leave or stay, whichever reason will be understood and accepted. I met each of the delegations present in Cabinda, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Ghana and confirmed to them that the Angolan Prime Minister, had assured me that security would be tightened around each team. Before returning to Luanda in the evening, I met the Governor of Cabinda, who, in turn, gave all the guarantees.
He however pointed out that the incident took place a hundred miles from Cabinda, in the forest, far from the scope of the competition adding that he did send a letter of condolence to the Head of State of Togo.
“CAN is a symbol for the entire African continent and that the CAF does not neglect the mission of peace. And the hosts have respected the security specification as provided in the CAF status.”
Presidnet Hayatou noted that the hosts have been supportive of the injured Togo goalkeeper now in the hospital; “It is fully supported by Angola. He is recovering slowly from his injuries. We regularly monitor his progress and we shall see him when he is discharged.”