CAF president Ahmad Ahmad has shed light on his outfit’s decision to do away with the African Best Player Based in Africa category at the annual awards gala holding in Accra, Ghana on Thursday.
Having initially announced nominees for the 2017 edition, the football governing body decided to ditch the category which was instituted in 2005, amid criticisms from several quarters.
“It’s very simple – we want to promote African football,” Ahmad explained at a presser in Accra on Wednesday ahead of Thursday night’s gala.
“There’s no two levels of football in Africa. Best is best, not best for the bad or best for the best. That’s the reason.”
Egypt legend Mohamed Barakat became the first-ever recipient of the African Best Player Based in Africa award in 2005 while Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango scooped the last honour in 2016.
Another dropped category is the CAF Referee of the Year.
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