Kuffour: 'Africa Footballer of the Year has lost its credibility'

Ex-Ghana and Bayern Munich defender Sammy Kuffour says the credibility of the African Footballer of the Year award has been lost.

Following the naming of Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the African Footballer of the Year, the former Bayern Munich defender believes the gong has lost its credibility.

The Gabon and Dortmund striker won the award after facing competition from Ghana’s Andre Ayew and Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure.

The Gabonese emerging the African Player of the Year has sparked controversy on the continent with many describing CAF as neglecting their own competitions when it comes to naming the player of the year.

Speaking to the Ghana Sports newspaper, Kuffour said, “I think this thing has lost its credibility. For some time now there have been controversies anytime CAF names the African footballer of the year.”

“It shouldn’t be like that. Now people don’t believe in it again. They (CAF) decide on whom to give the award to and that is bad.

“This has really made it lose its credibility and because of that, everyone now thinks CAF is biased.”

Sammy Kuffour was snubbed by CAF for the prestigious award in 2002 after a wonderful season in 2001 with Bayern Munich winning the UEFA Champions League and the Clubs World Cup.