The International Sports Press Association has condemned journalists’ “deplorable” behaviour at the Africa Cup of Nations after several incidents including fighting and celebrating in the stands.
“Being a journalist means behaving properly, and above all, exercising restraint. Certain behaviours are simply unworthy of a profession as noble as journalism,” AIPS said in a statement Wednesday.
Many accredited reporters covering this edition of the Africa Cup have been wearing their national team jerseys and vocally supporting their teams during games, loudly celebrating any goals or victories.
An Ivorian with press credentials was filmed dancing shirtless after the team’s win on penalties over Senegal.
There have also been frequent arguments among media rushing to get on buses to and from games, their patience is thin because of chaotic organisation and frequent changes to announced schedules.
Some arguments around matches were also reported — between Guinean and Senegalese journalists before their nations’ group game, and between Moroccan media and South African representatives during their teams’ match on Tuesday.
“Between pitched battles, attacks, invectives, it is a distressing spectacle that certain colleagues have been delivering to the world since the start of CAN 2023,” AIPS wrote, referring to the Africa Cup by its French acronym.
“The media workspaces (press gallery, mixed zone, conference room) have been transformed into a boxing ring, or even simply transformed into a dance floor or performance zone hosted by media badge holders,” it said.
Meanwhile, Caf says they have noted the escalating unbecoming and unprofessional behaviour of some “media practitioners” in working spaces at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023
According to Caf, they met with the Local Organising Committee (“COCAN”) and Police to discuss the situation and find workable solutions.
CAF has engaged several Organisations representing Journalists and raised serious concerns about the behaviour of some “journalists” in media tribunes, media centres and mixed zones.
"While we understand that we are all Football fans and are passionate about our National Teams, Journalists are expected to observe professional standards," said Caf in a statement.
The statement added: "Fans must not be in the Media Tribune – there are plenty of seats at the Stadium for this."
