Benin was initially chosen to host CAF's 45th Ordinary General Assembly, but has now given up. While the African body is now looking to Abidjan to save the day, the Beninese sporting public is yet to digest this withdrawal.
Cotonou will not be the venue for the 45th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A week ago, the Benin Football Federation decided not to organise the event, which has a triple programme (the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifying groups on 12 July, the election of certain members of the CAF Executive Committee on 13 July and the workshops and closing session of the AGM on 14 July). The reason for the withdrawal is said to be the delay in the delivery of the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou, which was to host this meeting of African football leaders.
In Benin, this unprecedented withdrawal has been met with mixed reviews. "The authorities in charge of managing our football could have done a better job of analysing the situation and said no. I'm disturbed that Benin has decided not to host this event. I'm disturbed that Benin should pull out at the last minute," says a disappointed Ali Adjao. Mahutin Vilard agrees, criticising the reason for the withdrawal. "We missed out on a great opportunity that could have given us greater visibility. All eyes would be on Benin at the 45th Ordinary General Assembly of CAF. Even if the reasons given by the President of the FBF seem convincing, we should have a plan B. For a nation aspiring to organise the African Cup of Nations, these opportunities must not be missed. Aborting this major event is a loss of earnings for the country", he asserts.
"It's better not to run the risk of a catastrophic organisation".
"The decision to abandon the organisation of such a large-scale event came a little late at first, which leaves observers and fans of the game with a less than glowing impression of our country," says Hubert Dossou-Yovo. "In terms of tourism and finance, this decision means a loss of earnings for the country. We are bidding to co-host the 2025 African Cup of Nations with Nigeria. I don't think such a decision would be advantageous given the country's continental ambitions. A keen observer of football, Hubert goes on to clear the local sports authorities of any blame, because for him, "it is better not to run the risk of a catastrophic organisation than to embark on it only to become the object of bitter criticism from an entire continent because of the poor organisation of the umbrella organisation's AGM".
Local sports press disappointed
Benin may have hosted the final of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in its history on 11 July 2021, but the country is missing out on the chance to host CAF's first Ordinary General Assembly. Benin's media professionals are disappointed. Local journalists and sports reporters are seeing an opportunity slip through their fingers. "Many have applied for accreditation to cover the event. This general meeting would have enabled the majority of local journalists to attend this type of event, but also to fill their address books. Colleagues from other countries will be there and it's a way for local journalists to make new contacts. It's a big disappointment," laments colleague Firmin Kassaga.
A strategic decision or a real lack of infrastructure?
If the delay in the delivery of the Sofitel Hotel is confirmed, it is hard to believe that Benin does not have other places to welcome delegates. Tino Hougni is more realistic, believing that this is a strategic decision rather than a lack of hotel infrastructure. "Why did the Sofitel hotel have to host the work? Don't we have better-structured hotels to host this General Meeting? How can Benin be considered when it disappoints when it is needed?
