Infantino Did Not Say That CHAN Would Not Be Strong Without Morocco
The Claim
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “It is a shame that Morocco, which is the best Arab and African team, will not participate. The African Nations Championship will not be stronger without Morocco. We will work to fix the problem, and I hope Morocco will participate.”
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Emerging story
Social media users and pages from the MENA region recently shared a statement they attributed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
According to the claim, Infantino said: “It is a shame for Morocco to participate, it is the best Arab and African national team, and the African Cup without him will not be stronger, and we will work to fix the problem and I hope Morocco will participate."
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be fake. The statement is fabricated. Infantino has not made any similar announcements.
Misbar’s team thoroughly searched FIFA’s website as well as reliable media outlets and found no trace of the statement.
Infantino visits Algeria as Nelson Mandela Stadium is Inaugurated
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was present for the inauguration of the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers where he met with the President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Infantino also held meetings with the Presidents of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Algerian Football Association (FAF).
President Infantino also met with Patrice Motsepe, CAF President and a FIFA Vice-President, and Djahid Zefizef, the President of the Algerian Football Association (FAF) to discuss various football development matters across the African continent.
Algeria Hosts the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
The claim circulated days before the biennial African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicked off in Algeria on January 13.
CHAN 2022 was expected to feature 18 nations for the first time, up from 16.
CAF's executive committee had voted to expand the tournament last May. However, Morocco's withdrawal has reduced that number to 17.
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