AFCON 2023: CAF reprimands some journalists and threatens sanctions

Following a statement from AIPS on the behaviour of some journalists accredited for AFCON 2023, CAF has now spoken out on the matter. The governing body has indeed issued a reprimand to the journalists concerned. "CAF has noted the escalation of improper and unprofessional behaviour by some "media representatives" in the work areas of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023", reads the CAF statement published on Friday 2 February 2024. The body urges journalists to set passion aside and to follow journalistic rules.

"While we understand that we can all be passionate about our national teams, journalists have a duty to respect professional standards. Supporters have no place in the media tribune", CAF insists.

Numerous incidents have been reported since the start of the competition, including an altercation between Senegalese and Guinean reporters, and Ghanaian players being jeered by journalists from their own country. Worse still, Moroccan journalists have accused Congolese journalists of violence. According to Moroccan media accounts, a Congolese journalist tried to throw a punch at one of his Moroccan colleagues, who dodged it. The same journalist was also reportedly targeted by a thrown bottle.

Such incidents are not to be repeated, as CAF has taken drastic measures. "Any media representative involved in a fight in the media areas or in a physical scuffle will have their accreditation withdrawn... In future, any media professional who takes part in wild celebrations and abuses other media colleagues will be immediately removed by security and have their accreditation withdrawn." Troublemakers in the media areas are not spared either. "Any journalist who uses vulgar language in the media areas, whether towards coaches, players, officials or peers, will have their accreditation withdrawn." Journalists have been warned.

Read the CAF statement