FIFA ‘Killing African Football’, Says Cote D I’voire

Cote D I’voire coach Patrice Beaumelle, has said that world governing body FIFA is “killing African football” by only allowing the continent five places at the World Cup.

Beaumelle’s Elephants can no longer reach the 2022 tournament in Qatar after losing 1-0 in Cameroon on Tuesday and finishing second in their group.

Africa’s 54 participants in qualifying are whittled down to just five places at the 32-team tournament, while Europe has 13 guaranteed places from 55 competitors and South America four from 10.

“It is a shame because strong teams like mine will stay at home,” Frenchman Beaumelle said.

“I have been in Africa since 2008 and I have participated in many World Cup qualifiers. I want to speak to FIFA because when you see that we have 54 federations and only five can go to a World Cup it is a disaster.

“I am not criticising other continents. But they (FIFA) are killing African football.

“It is a shame to have big players who are the pride of European championships and now they will not go to a World Cup.”

However, the World Cup will be expanded to 48 teams from 2026, when the tournament will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Like all the other continental confederations Africa will be given extra places at the expanded tournament.

Africa is expected to have nine guaranteed spots, while an inter-continental play-off tournament will decide the final two places.

Meanwhile, FIFA head of global development Arsene Wenger has proposed holding the World Cup every two years to boost participation.