South Americans critical of Wenger's comments on Africa
Just like Africans, we South Americans know first hand that kind of behavior that comes from the belief that the world begins and ends in Europe. FIFA did not immediately respond a request for comment from The Associated Press.CONMEBOL also criticized FIFAs unilateral decision to allow five replacements per team per game instead of the current three.
South American soccer's governing body has rebuked FIFA's chief of global development Arsène Wenger for suggesting Africa's infrastructure is inadequate for talent development and that Europe is the only continent where rising stars can reach full potential.
CONMEBOL on Tuesday said it sent a letter to soccer's global organizers to "condemn the very unfortunate expressions of the high FIFA officer.'' Wenger, the high-profile Former Arsenal manager, said in an interview with ESPN FC earlier this month that if French striker Kylian Mbappé ''had been born in Cameroon, he wouldn't have become the striker he is today." "There's Europe and there's rest of the world,'' Wenger added. "The latter needs help, otherwise we're going to miss a great deal of talent." CONMEBOL said frequently the "most objectionable prejudices are disguised as reasoned and intelligent reflections." "Wenger's words, beyond showing an unusual ignorance about the valuable input of African players in world soccer, and particularly in Europe, show a denigrating twist that hides the effort of footballers and sporting institutions that are not in Europe," the CONMEBOL statement said. ''Just like Africans, we South Americans know first hand that kind of behavior that comes from the belief that the world begins and ends in Europe." FIFA did not immediately respond a request for comment from The Associated Press.
CONMEBOL also criticized FIFA's unilateral decision to allow five replacements per team per game instead of the current three. It said the move "took place without a process of consultations and debate."
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ALSO READ
Olympics-French diver takes tumble during inauguration ceremony
Premier League: Arsenal moves to top of points table, Man City thrashes Crystal Palace 4-2
Before Arsenal trip, Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel at a loss to explain team's latest collapse
Arsenal looks to derail Kane's Champions League hopes as Tottenham's trophy hopes dwindle
No plan yet for sanctions on Israel to get aid into Gaza, says French minister