AFCON 2012 Qualifiers: DR Congo Coach Robert Nouzaret - CAF Ruling In Favour of Cameroon Is Political

The Democratic Republic of Congo national Coach Robert Nouzaret is infuriated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s ruling in favour of Cameroon in the match venue row between both Central African countries ahead of their October 9 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash.

Speaking to France-based magazine Jeune Afrique on Friday, the 66-year-old former Montpellier manager said CAF’s decision was awful.

“It’s an awful decision,” he said. “Initially, we were informed that the meeting will be held in Yaoundé. We took our time to make arrangements finding a hotel and all that. And then, the Cameroonians decided to relocate the match to Garoua (northern Cameroon).”

Besides the heath hazards in Garoua, Nouzaret says he personally has nothing against the new venue, which coincidentally is hometown of Cameroon’s FA President Mohammed Iya.

“My problem is, there has been an outbreak of cholera for several weeks in that town. We are sending players to a danger zone. It is a scandal. We’re putting players’ health at risk. This is all political,” Nouzaret said.

The Congolese sports officials had notified CAF of their willingness to play in Yaoundé instead of Garoua, but the continental football body declared yesterday that the northern city’s health situation was safe enough to host the meeting.

“It was obvious from the beginning that CAF would rule in favour of Garoua because it is the birthplace of Cameroon FA President Mohamed Iya,” Nouzaret said. “My bosses had tried to challenge the relocation, but without success. And why should anyone be surprised if CAF reacted that way. You should get the message.”