At the just-concluded FIFA Congress that was held in Kigali, President Paul Kagame made reference to the toxic environment that some global leaders have created around the game of football. Such atmosphere is mainly created by a section of leaders from certain regions who feel entitled at the expense of other regions of the world, at least when it comes to matters like hosting the World Cup and other key events. This was the case when last year, Qatar dominated the western media for all the wrong reasons before and during the World Cup which the Gulf nation hosted towards the end of 2022. Among the attacks against the country – which by many standards organized a highly successful tournament – included its so-called human right record which many saw as an excuse created by certain countries that think it as their birthright to host the World Cup. For them, it was not in Qatar’s place to host the coveted tournament. Such entitlement has prevailed for long and this should be the time for it to stop and afford all continents to feel involved in the management of the beautiful game, without any form of exclusion. Fortunately, the football governing body is beginning to listen to these marginalized voices, starting with the decision taken at the congress to double Africa’s participation up to nine slots, with a chance to get a 10th slot that is subject to playoff. This is commendable but there is much that remains to be done to ensure inclusivity because, even with the increased slots, Africa, just like other regions like Asia, remain acutely underrepresented when you compare with their counterparts like Europe. Africans and other marginalized regions must sustain the fight for their rightful place on the table of decision makers and this requires constant agitation. They will also need to speak with one voice to claim for this right.
