Malawi
coach Tom Saintfiet is to report coach Stephen Keshi to FIFA after the
Nigeria coach reportedly called him “a white dude who should go back to
Belgium.”
Both coaches have been arguing since
Malawi asked FIFA to move next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier from
Calabar for safety reasons.
Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is
unacceptable that any person says these words – it is clear racism. “It
is 100% sure that my lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”
The row erupted earlier this month when
the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking a new
venue for their 7 September, 2013 Group F qualifier away to the Super
Eagles – a match which Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points, must win
to progress to the play-offs.
Belgian Saintfiet told local media at
the time that he was concerned about security because he claims “the
UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office says it is a no-travel area.”
Keshi hit back shortly afterwards, saying “this is where we play our games and other countries are fine with that.”
And the Nigerian Football Federation complied with FIFA’s request for a written guarantee that the game would go ahead safely.
Keshi has now followed that up with
comments on UK-based African TV show, Vox Africa’s Sports360, saying: “I
think the coach of Malawi is crazy.
“If he wants to talk to FIFA, he should
go back to Belgium. He is not an African person, he is a white dude, he
should go back to Belgium.”
“I have never used any words like these to any coach. He has no right, who is he?
“All other countries play in Calabar.
Calabar is one of the safest places in Nigeria… He is mad. I wish I
could say it to his face.”
Saintfiet, who married a Zimbabwean
earlier this year, told BBC Sport he is “shocked” by Keshi’s comments
and he believes the former Nigeria captain’s words could also lead to
trouble at the qualifier.
“These words create hate and aggression, and creates a risk ahead of the match in Calabar,” Saintfiet added.
“These comments are unacceptable and I
am very sad about them. I will not say any bad words about Mr Keshi, nor
Nigeria – I only spoke about moving the game.
“If FIFA takes racism seriously, then
you have to take it seriously in both directions. If a European said
something of this nature about an African, you would have a huge
problem. “I am against racism in all directions.”
Saintfiet believes Keshi “is angry
because of the request to change the venue,” but the Belgian stands by
his feeling that Calabar is unsafe.
“If FIFA says it’s ok (for the match to
be played in Calabar) because Nigeria will provide anti-bomb squads,
then surely this is a problem at the beginning. If you need anti-bomb
squads, you cannot consider the area safe. It is designated a non-travel
area, high-risk area. We are not insulting anyone.”
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I think coach Keshi needs to butress his point a bit more nicely, afterall Saintfiet only aired his opinion
ReplyDeleteBomb in Calabar? This Belgian is high on cheap alomo bitters.
ReplyDeleteAren't we ashamed of ourselves that any city in Nigeria can be termed "unsafe" including Calabar one of the safest cities? Are we now blaming Malawian coach when we all know where he got the info from that Calabar is unsafe. If Nigerians are sent to Iraq to play, won't we all be concerned if they are going to come back unhurt? Keshi should better handle this properly.
ReplyDeleteKeshi should not have said any of those words attributed to him. Even if he feels that way, he should keep them to himself. It is unsports- manlike
ReplyDeleteOnly a liar will say Calabar is safe--what of these kidnappers? I do not blame the other team!
ReplyDelete