Accra, June 3, GNA – The Federation of African Journalists has backed Qatar to successfully host the 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.
FAJ after its successful African Journalists Leaders’ Conference hosted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on June 1-2, in Accra, in a statement said, they have noted with dismay recent attempts by external elements from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to deliberately manipulate journalists organisations in Africa to issue public statements or campaign against 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.
The statement said, it has also noted with dismay efforts to use Africa and its institutions as a political football in order to settle scores in political disputes and drag African journalists into activities beyond their primary interests, scope, and mandate.
It added that FAJ supports the position of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) about labour rights situations in Qatar and notes the unparalleled progress so far and work for the facilitation of African journalists in covering the 2022 FIFA World Cup to directly inform Africans about recent global football events.
FAJ also called on the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and national teams that have qualified to be vigilant about these manipulative attempts and ensure Africa’s dignified and prominent participation in the World Cup.
“We also called on CAF and FIFA to investigate and penalize the people and forces behind this unprecedented interference in global football events which have the potential to compromise African journalists reporting on the biggest football event,” the statement said.
The conference also mandated the Steering Committee of FAJ to develop a close working relationship with CAF to facilitate and advance the work and interests of African journalists.
GNA