The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast has been marred not just by on-pitch drama, but also by the unruly behavior of journalists. In response to this, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued new guidelines and tightened media access in consultation with local authorities. This article will explore the poor behavior of journalists at AFCON and the resulting consequences for media access.
The Unprofessional Behavior
While AFCON is a celebration of football and national teams, the behavior of journalists has taken an unpleasant turn. Reports of abuse, fighting, and even near-nudity have dominated the headlines from the press box. One CAF media official expressed their disappointment, recounting, “There was someone dancing naked in the media tribune. We cannot have that.”
CAF’s Response
In light of the escalating unprofessional behavior, CAF has taken steps to address the issue. They have held discussions with the Local Organizing Committee and the police to find solutions to the problem. In a statement released by CAF, they acknowledged the need for professional standards among journalists.
CAF has made it clear that they will not tolerate unprofessional behavior from media practitioners. They have warned that anyone involved in wild celebrations, abusing fellow journalists, or using vulgar language will have their accreditation revoked. Furthermore, the use of live streaming in the mixed zone, drones, and unauthorized media filming within the stadium has been banned. These strict consequences aim to restore professionalism to the media spaces in AFCON.
Multiple incidents of misbehavior have rocked AFCON. During the Ghana vs. Mozambique match, accredited journalists shouted abuse at players in the mixed zone and heckled former Ghana head coach Chris Hughton. The Ivory Coast players also faced barracking from reporters after their defeat by Equatorial Guinea. Matches between Senegal-Guinea and Morocco-South Africa also saw clashes between jostling media packs.
The International Sports Press Association expressed their dismay at the distressing spectacle caused by certain journalists throughout AFCON. They criticized the transformation of media workspaces into boxing rings or dancefloors instead of professional environments. The behavior witnessed during the tournament has tarnished the reputation of the media and detracted from the spirit of AFCON.
In response to the chaotic behavior of journalists, access to media spaces has now been regulated more strictly. For the Nigeria vs. Angola quarterfinal match, only a maximum of 250 journalists were admitted to the media tribune, and photographers’ access was also limited. These measures aim to bring order to the media areas and prevent further incidents of unprofessional behavior.
The poor behavior of journalists at AFCON has not gone unnoticed. CAF, in collaboration with local authorities, has implemented new guidelines and tightened media access to combat this issue. It is imperative for journalists to uphold professional standards and contribute positively to the sporting event. The consequences for unprofessional behavior are severe, as CAF aims to preserve the integrity and reputation of AFCON.
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