Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo) has written to the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) demanding answers on the evident snub by the global football body towards South African-born coach, Pitso Mosimane.
On Monday, FIFA held what they call the Best FIFA Football Awards for “excellence in association football team and individual achievements.”
However, eyebrows were raised when in the category of The Best FIFA Men’s Coach the name Pitso Mosimane was conspicuously missing – this despite the Al Ahly mentor being one of the best-achieving coaches around the world over the past year.
Since taking over reigns at one of the most-accomplished clubs on the African continent as the club’s first-ever non-Egyptian African to coach the club, he won two Champions Leagues, two African Super Cups and a Bronze medal at the FIFA Club World Cup.
“If this record is not deserving of a global recognition, perhaps as FIFA you must tell us what Africans should do for global sport recognition in your view,” reads, in part, the letter addressed to FIFA President, Giannia Infantino.
“In fact, noting that it is not only African who seems to have been at FIFA’s exclusionary and Europe bias recognition (sic), it is not only Africa that needs FIFA to explain their criteria but the whole global football and sport loving people.”
@AZAPO_News demands answers from FIFA over the @FIFAcom‘s @TheRealPitso snub, accusing the world football governing body of being at the center of efforts to undermine efforts to end racism in sport.#PitsoMosimane#FIFA#AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/5KCEjwPIFS
— Sipho King K Kekana (@KingKAzania) January 20, 2022
An all-European trio of Chelsea coach, Thomas Tuchel, Italian national team coach, Roberto Mancini as well Manchester United coach, Pep Guardiola, made the list of nominees for the Best Coach FIFA Men’s Coach award.
Azapo has also accused FIFA of reversing the gains made in fighting discrimination and racism in sport.
“Today, I wrote to you certain that Africa has woken up to a sad reality that the gains and progress we thought global football has made in challenging discrimination and racism in sport have been reversed,” accusing the organisation of being “at the center efforts to undermine the yesteryear’s efforts to end racism in sport.”
Unfortunately we from the wrong continent.Have given up on Europe.If Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah etc can win the UEFA Champs League,EPL &FIFA Club World Cup and still not win any World or European Awards,who are we?Samuel Etoo & Rahid Sterling objected & voiced out,but who cares? https://t.co/ySScJoXeDN
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) January 13, 2022
