Ellis slams FIFA scheduling as disrespectful to women’s football

Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has taken a firm stand against FIFA’s decision to schedule the Men’s Club World Cup during two major women’s football tournaments, calling it a clear sign of blatant disrespect to the women’s game.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is currently happening in Morocco while the Women’s Euro’s are ongoing in Switzerland. Ellis feels that the world’s eyes should be on women’s football, but the men’s FIFA Club World Cup has been a distraction.

Ellis has expressed concern at the timing and that the commercial injection into the Club World Cup has overshadowed the women’s games, leaving the two competitions fighting for their space.

“I think it’s a lack of respect” said Ellis on Thursday ahead of their penultimate Group C clash against Tanzania on Friday night.

“To me, honestly you wouldn’t have this Club World Cup or the men’s World Cup or any men’s big competition (clashing with another). You wouldn’t have that.

“Maybe having all the women’s games or competitions together may be a plus but you wouldn’t have a big competition like the FIFA World Cup at the same time.

“For lack of a better word, it is a distraction where everyone should be watching the women’s game.”

Ellis will face Tanzania at the Honneur Stadium in the City of Oudja. A win for Banyana will guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.