France and Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has called for respect for the Africa Cup of Nations amid calls for cancellation of the tournament.
The continental showpiece has been scheduled between January 9 and February 6, 2022 in Cameroon as 24 country’s battle it out for the covetous trophy.
According to the Crystal Palace manager who is set to lose a couple of players for the AFCON, he will not prevent any player from joining his national team and has therefore advocated for respect for the competition.
His statement comes after weeks of endless news from the western media about the cancellation of the tournament.
“I respect the passion of the Africa Cup of Nations and will never stop any player going. I believe there should be more respect towards it’
“Maybe journalists in Europe should go to Africa and cover it and then they will understand what it means to the people of Africa” he said.