Keshi in trouble over racism comment as Malawian coach threatens to report to FIFA

Both coaches have been arguing since
Malawi asked FIFA to move next month’s
crucial World Cup qualifier from Calabar
for safety reasons.
Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is unacceptable
that any person says these words – it is
clear racism. “It is 100% sure that my
lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”
The row erupted earlier this month when
the Football Association of Malawi (FAM)
wrote to FIFA, seeking a new venue for
their 7 September, 2013 Group F qualifier
away to the Super Eagles – a match which
Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points,
must win to progress to the play-offs.
Belgian Saintfiet told local media at the
time that he was concerned about security
because he claims “the UK’s Foreign &
Commonwealth Office says it is a no-travel
area.”
Keshi hit back shortly afterwards, saying
“this is where we play our games and other
countries are fine with that.”
And the Nigerian Football Federation
complied with FIFA’s request for a written
guarantee that the game would go ahead
safely.
Keshi has now followed that up with
comments on UK-based African TV show,
Vox Africa’s Sports360, saying: “I think the
coach of Malawi is crazy.
“If he wants to talk to FIFA, he should go
back to Belgium. He is not an African
person, he is a white dude, he should go
back to Belgium.”
“I have never used any words like these to
any coach. He has no right, who is he?
“All other countries play in Calabar.
Calabar is one of the safest places in
Nigeria… He is mad. I wish I could say it to
his face.”
Saintfiet, who married a Zimbabwean
earlier this year, told BBC Sport he is
“shocked” by Keshi’s comments and he
believes the former Nigeria captain’s words
could also lead to trouble at the qualifier.
“These words create hate and aggression,
and creates a risk ahead of the match in
Calabar,” Saintfiet added.
“These comments are unacceptable and I am
very sad about them. I will not say any bad
words about Mr Keshi, nor Nigeria – I only
spoke about moving the game.
“If FIFA takes racism seriously, then you
have to take it seriously in both directions.
If a European said something of this nature
about an African, you would have a huge
problem. “I am against racism in all
directions.”
Saintfiet believes Keshi “is angry because of
the request to change the venue,” but the
Belgian stands by his feeling that Calabar is
unsafe.
“If FIFA says it’s ok (for the match to be
played in Calabar) because Nigeria will
provide anti-bomb squads, then surely this
is a problem at the beginning. If you need
anti-bomb squads, you cannot consider the
area safe. It is designated a non-travel area,
high-risk area. We are not insulting
anyone.”