Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle says world governing body FIFA is “killing African football” by only allowing the continent five places at the World Cup.
According to BBC,The former Zambia National Soccer Team Coach believes Five World Cup slots are not enough for a continent with 54 Federations.
“It is a shame because strong teams like mine will stay at home,” Frenchman Beaumelle said.
“I have been in Africa since 2008 and I have participated in many World Cup qualifiers. I want to speak to Fifa because when you see that we have 54 federations and only five can go to a World Cup it is a disaster.
“I am not criticising other continents. But they (Fifa) are killing African football.
“It is a shame to have big players who are the pride of European championships and now they will not go to a World Cup.”
Cameroon qualified to the play-off, but it is not guaranteed [to go] to the World Cup,” Beaumelle added.
“African teams are exhausted before they arrive at a World Cup because those qualifiers are exhausting us.
“Five countries from 54 is not even 9%. It is a shame. Even if my team had won I would still speak out about this situation.”Beaumelle is quoted in the Thursday BBC Publication.
