Platini, African confederation in spat over Ebola

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — UEFA President Michel Platini is demanding that the Confederation of African Football withdraws an “insulting” statement that claimed the Frenchman was interfering in its affairs over Ebola.

The spat revolves around a television interview where Platini was asked about next year’s troubled African Cup of Nations in Morocco, and if it should be held in January and February despite the threat of Ebola.

CAF said Platini had “found it necessary to question” the African body’s decision that the tournament should go ahead.

In a strongly-worded letter to CAF President Issa Hayatou on Wednesday, Platini said this was untrue and he had “clearly” said in the weekend interview that any decision rested with CAF.

Platini said he expected an “immediate retraction” of CAF’s critical statement, “otherwise I will react accordingly.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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