Pélé yesterday spoke out against FIFA’s handling of the Confederations Cup, insisting that Sunday’s final was played too soon after the death of Marc-Vivien Foe while also claiming that congested fixtures at the tournament put an unfair strain on players.
« Between Foe’s death and the match there was not enough time, » said the Brazilian legend. « FIFA will have to study such a situation. Foe’s death affected us all. If I had been confronted to such a situation? I don’t know whether I would have played.
« We also had to play this final because it represents the only possible compromise with the television, the sponsors, the advertisers, and the media. But I understand also some of the players might not have been ready psychologically. »
A Thierry Henry golden goal gave the hosts victory at the Stade de France, but winning was not the top priority for either Cameroon or France with both teams keen to honour the player who was kept on the team sheet as the ultimate mark of respect.
Pele, while against the timing of the showpiece, agreed that playing the final was a symbol of the respect in which Foe is held, but attacked the tournament for the demands it makes on players.
He said: « There were too many matches in a short period of time in this Confederations Cup. It is too hard for the players. They are asked for more and more tactically and physically while the recuperation time is reduced. »
The results are expected later this week from an autopsy into Foe’s death.
MASSIMO MARZOCCHI
