Cesc Fàbregas's contempt and arrogance towards Senegal are nothing short of shocking. The former Spanish international seems to be holding a grudge against Assane Diao's choice to represent Senegal rather than Spain. Such an attitude, marked by a blatant lack of respect, deserves to be addressed in proportion to its seriousness.

I therefore urge the Senegalese Football Federation to officially contact FIFA by sending letters of protest in order to denounce these actions and to remind them of the principles of respect and fairness that should prevail in international football.

But beyond this episode, the former FC Barcelona player's attitude reveals a deeper problem: the recurring lack of consideration given to African football and the Africa Cup of Nations. In what other major competition does FIFA allow clubs to release their players only six days before the start of the tournament? This situation contributes to undermining the credibility of the AFCON, already weakened by a schedule dictated by Gianni Infantino, who seems more concerned with satisfying certain non-sporting interests, particularly through the controversial organization of a Club World Cup, than with preserving fairness between competitions. Above all, he wanted to please his friend Donald Trump.

It is therefore unsurprising to note the silence or the acquiescence of the CAF. Its president, Patrice Motsepe, perceived by many as a docile mouthpiece for Gianni Infantino, seems to follow without reservation the directives of the man who brought him to the head of African football. In this power struggle, the interests of African football are relegated to the background, to the detriment of its dignity and prestige.

By Babacar Gueye Diop, journalist