CHAN 2024: Why CAF cancelled former Chelsea tactician's press conference
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 06.08.25. | 15:09
It remains to be seen whether CAF will fine the former Chelsea tactician after he failed to show up for his media duties
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cancelled a press conference, in which Zambia head coach Avram Grant was to field questions, after the veteran tactician failed to appear.
Grant was supposed to have his media engagement from 11:45 am along with team skipper Grant was expected alongside his player Kabaso Chongo as communicated by CAF.
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However, confusion arose after Chongo appeared alongside the assistant coach Moses Sichone.
After consultations, CAF Media officer Timothy Olubulu announced to waiting journalists that the conference had been cancelled.
“Unfortunately, we have been forced to cancel the Zambia Press Conference after the coach sent his assistant. The rules state that the head coach must be present or send a communication 24 hrs before the match," said Olubulu.
This marks the first instance of an head coach failing to show up for a press conference in the 2024 CHAN and is expected to attract heavy sanctions to both the Zambian federation and the former Chelsea manager.
With his experience, it was shocking that he failed to appear or the Zambian federation to provide reasons as to why the experienced trainer made such a decision.
Zambia will kick off their CHAN campaign with a clash against DR Congo on Thursday 6 August at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Zambia are in Group A alongside Kenya, Angola, DR Congo and Morocco in what has been termed as the “Group of Death.”
As it stands, Morocco lead the group having defeated Angola 2-0 in their opening match on Sunday, 3 August at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Morocco won courtesy of goals from Imad Riahi and an own goal.
Kenya are second in the group following their 1-0 win over DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani courtesy of a 45+2nd minute strike by Austin Odhiambo.
Harambee Stars will be back on the pitch on Thursday, 7 August against Angola at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani from 7pm.
