Comments on: The tragedy of Togo and the Cup of Nations

By: Savvas Tzionis

Savvas Tzionis — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:10:22 +0000

“Take the Confederation of African Football and the history of Africa together. Until recently, Africa was plagued by tin pot dictators and military tyrants who bestrode the land in jack boots, khaki and swagger sticks.”

So, Africa’s history starts AFTER the Colonial European Ruler’s left?

By: mushi

mushi — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:12:47 +0000

I was thinking the same thing… Tales of the African dictator’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

By: Animan

Animan — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:03:23 +0000

Please check this link http://www.petitiononline.com/togo_caf/petition.html and http://www.gopetition.com/petition-campaigns/Justice/. So long.

By: ItsCalledFootball

ItsCalledFootball — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:34:07 +0000

Seems very unfair – but that’s African politics and corruption.

Its meant to punish the Togo politicians who stepped in and ordered the team to return, when the FA were ready to play.

The punishment was menat for the politicians, but is hurting the team and the country more than anything.

By: Art Sapphire

Art Sapphire — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:41:01 +0000

Animan – any rational, empathetic person agrees that the Togo national football team has been treated appallingly and Hayatou and CAF. Unfortunately, your piece is spoiled by references to Ovrebo and Hansson.
What do they have to do with the issue?? Your personal football grievances ruins the integrity of the piece. Also, to claim that there is no ethics or morality in football is disingenuous to say the least. Football is replete with ethics and morality – good and bad.

On a final note – you failed to mention that Togo itself has suffered under dictatorship for over 4 decades. Gnassingbé Eyadéma ruled Togo for 38 years. He was Africa’s longest serving ruler at the time of his death in 2005. His son Faure Gnassingbé has now assumed power and won a fraudulent election in 2005 to prove his undemocratic credentials.
The Togolese footballers have suffered horribly and they have been kicked around like a football by their government, football association, Hayatou and CAF. Lets hope common sense will prevail and the Togolese players can once again represent their long suffering compatriot, make them feel proud of their nation and bring smiles to their faces.

By: Joe FC

Joe FC — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:20:10 +0000

The penalties levied against Togo are appalling. Sadly, in all too many cases, the upper echelons of football administration are a cause of shame to fans around the world.

By: True Tah

True Tah — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:32:49 +0000

Animan this is a great article and I agree with your sentiment, the CAF is punishing Togo far too heavily.

Im not sure if the African dictator is really an endangered species, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea, Eritrea are all under authoritarian dictatorships.

By: MV Dave

MV Dave — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:54:08 +0000

From an outsider looking in the actions of CAF are almost unforgiveable. FIFA must take some action in this matter…as Sepp always says…’For The Good of The Game’!

Animan do you have an link for the online petition against CAF?