By Andrew Warshaw
February 18 – Under-fire Confederation of African Football president Ahmad has broken his silence over the fierce criticism levelled at him by former Liberian FA boss Musa Bility.
Earlier this month Bility resigned from two senior CAF posts in protest over how Ahmad handles the management of African football and wrote two explosive letters to fellow executive committee members saying CAF risked becoming the “subject of ridicule around the world” and accusing Ahmad of abuse of power and violating the governing body’s statues.
Bility called for an urgent executive committee (ExCo) meeting to scrutinise Ahmad’s decision to rejig the Africa Cup of Nations hosts for the 2021, 2023 and 2025 tournaments and the signing of a commercial deal with betting company 1XBET.
Ahmad, speaking in French, responded on the eve of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in Niger on Saturday, accusing Bility of pursuing a personal agenda and being in a minority.
“We have 23 ExCo members, but it’s only one or two of them who are talking,” Ahmad declared.
“You never heard from the other members. The inclusive nature of running football was the reason behind our meetings, but no one has raised any major concerns.”
Bility’s suggestion that there were deep divisions in the leadership of African football was refuted by Ahmad.
“You can ask other members of CAF. It is only the President that has a mandate to represent CAF. No other person got that mandate. I have nothing to answer to him [Bility].
“What is important is to carry on with my administration. The CAF I want to put in place is one of a united African football family. The plan is to continue in that way.
“The difference is perhaps I am more of a politician who see things differently. I don’t create any division in my management. Up till this moment everything I have on my agenda to develop football is on track.”
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