President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has assured of top-notch organisation and security for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Motsepe gave the assurance on Friday in Abidjan at a news conference, ahead of the Saturday kick-off of the biennial continental showpiece.
According to him, CAF has been working round the clock with the host country to ensure a befitting tournament and avoid the mistakes of the last tournament in Cameroon.
“I am satisfied that there is a huge amount of determination and commitment and I think we are on the right track.
“The Cameroon accident was absolutely avoidable.
“I am satisfied the appropriate steps have been taken to make sure we will totally avoid the painful experience we had in Cameroon,” he said.
Recall the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon was marred by the stampede at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde that resulted in the death of eight fans and dozens more injured, during the round of 16 match between Cameroon and the Comoros.
The CAF boss said efforts were on deck to ensure a smooth tournament.
“For as long as I am president, whether I know or don’t know, whether I am aware or not aware, I ultimately have to take responsibility for anything that happens,” he added.
The Cote d’Ivoire government has invested around $1.5 billion in improving infrastructure as it prepared to host the tournament for the first time since 1984.
That has included the construction of the 60,000-capacity Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on the northern outskirts of Abidjan, which will host Saturday’s opening game, as well Super Eagles group matches.
There will be about 17,000 police and soldiers deployed during the month-long tournament to ensure security.
The tournament which kicks off on Saturday with 24 nations in six stadiums across five cities, will draw to a close on Feb. 11.