The Confederation of African Football, CAF says it has noted the increasing and unprofessional behaviour of some “media practitioners” in working spaces at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire, AFCON 2023.
CAF met with Local Organising Committee (“COCAN”) and Police to discuss the situation and find workable solutions. CAF also has engaged a number of Organisations representing Journalists and raised the serious concerns on the behaviour of some “journalists” in media tribunes, media centres and mixed zones.
The continent’s football governing body noted that while there is the understanding that we are all Football fans and are passionate about our National Teams, Journalists are expected to observe professional standards.
CAF said Fans must not be in the Media Tribune – there are plenty of seats at the Stadium for this.
CAF Communication Department put out the following advice;
1. Going forward any media practictioner who is involved in wild celebrations and abuses other media colleagues will be immediately removed by Security and his/her Accreditation will be withdrawn.
2. Any media representative who is involved in a fight in media areas or physical scuffle will have his/her Accreditation withdrawn.
3. Any journalist (Non-Rights Holder) who films at in the Media Tribune will be removed and his/her Accreditation withdrawn.
4. Any media practictioner who uses vulgar in media areas either against Coaches, Players or his/her peers will have the Accreditation withdrawn.
5. Any journalists who is live streaming in the Mixed Zone will have his/her Accreditation withdrawn.
6. Use of Drones is strictly prohibited.
7. Media cannot film inside the stadium (Only media centre, press conference room).
