Rainy weather rules out Nations Cup change

CAF president Issa Hayatou says rainy weather in Africa through June and July is why the African Nations Cup cannot be moved from its controversial date in January.

"In the majority of the African countries it is not possible to play a tournament like the Nations Cup at that time of the year. It would be more like waterpolo than soccer," Hayatou said.

The timing of the event continues to draw heavy criticism from European clubs and increasingly players themselves because of its clash with the league programmes in Europe.

Hayatou, asked why FIFA had decided to award a World Cup finals, always played in mid-year, to South Africa in 2010, said that weather conditions in both north and southern Africa were indeed favourable for football.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said clubs in Europe have to show more respect to the Nations Cup.

"We need more respect and discipline in the football family. Clubs are happy to take talent from Africa but when it comes time to release the players they don't want to give back to Africa," he said.