Algeria coach snubs Eswatini media

LOBAMBA – He was a no-show!

This is Algerian coach Rafik Saïfi, who failed to attend the media briefing for their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eswatini.

The briefing was supposed to be held at Somhlolo National Stadium on Tuesday at 3pm to give the media an update on their preparations for the match ahead of Wednesday’s clash.

The two nations’ Under-23 squads will lock horns in the second stage of the preliminary round on the journey to the finals to be held in Egypt next year.

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe said an Algerian official disclosed that Saïfi could not make it to the briefing as they were tired.

“They said the coach and the team are tired after travelling over 11 hours,” Radebe said.

However, despite being at the stadium to oversee his charges’ training session, he failed to entertain the media.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Media and TV Handbook, CAF treats the pre-match press conference as mandatory under its Media Regulations. The head coach must attend, unless CAF is informed in advance, usually at least 24 hours before, or at least three hours before in case of an emergency like sickness or suspension. Sending an assistant coach without prior permission is not allowed.

The Handbook further states: “Failure (for a Head Coach) to attend the MD-1 press conference will lead to disciplinary proceedings and a fine of USD 5 000 for first offender. Should a head coach fail to honour a second press conference in one season, the fine will be automatically increased to USD 10 000.”

This was witnessed with Zambia at CHAN 2024, when CAF fined the Football Association of Zambia USD 5 000 after head coach Avram Grant failed to attend the mandatory Match Day-1 press conference before Zambia vs DR Congo. CAF said Zambia breached its Media Regulations by sending an assistant instead.

It was the same case with Egypt at AFCON 2021, when CAF fined Egypt USD 100 000 for failing to attend the pre-match press conference ahead of the quarter-final against Morocco.

It is worth noting that the fine is not fixed, as CAF’s Disciplinary Board decides the amount depending on the competition and the circumstances.

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