2024-01-30T11:08:01+00:00
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/ The Asian Football Confederation condemned, on Tuesday, the actions of the individuals who caused the events that took place at the press conference of the Iraqi national team coach, Jesus Casas, and while describing them as “disturbing and hostile”, it confirmed that they will be banned from all future AFC tournaments, not just the current one.
The Federation said in a statement received by Agency that it “strongly condemns any disturbing and hostile actions, as it takes a position that does not tolerate such actions,” indicating that it “believes in providing an environment in which journalists can participate in their important work of covering Asian football competitions, with professionalism and mutual respect.”
The AFC added that it was “deeply disappointed by the actions that took place during the press conference following the match between Iraq and Jordan, and has taken the swift decision to ban the individuals responsible for these incidents from covering not only the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, but also future AFC competitions, as a media accreditation is a privilege that carries a responsibility to adhere to ethical standards, and anyone who breaches these standards will face consequences.”
“When faced with any disruptive behaviour that poses a risk to the safety of individuals at our events, the AFC will act swiftly to protect the stakeholders, and the reputation and integrity of our competitions, and we are confident that our response on this occasion will have a deterrent effect by sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated,” the AFC added.
Separately, the AFC has made it clear that it “does not comment on cases related to refereeing performance”, stating that it “strongly condemns any form of intimidation, harassment or publication of personal information targeting our referees, players, officials and all stakeholders; as such actions are contrary to the spirit of fair play and respect that we promote within the Asian football family”.