Napoli attorney warns that he may be suing to prevent players from traveling to the Africa Cup of Nations and insists there could be reasons to get health exemptions for European players
A lawyer representing Napoli is considering taking legal action to prevent players from participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is slated to begin next month.
In the wake of the rise in positive Covid-19 Test results around the world after the advent of the Omicron Variation there were doubts whether the tournament should take place in Cameroon.
According to reports, only around five percent of the population in Cameroon are vaccinated, so clubs are concerned for the health of any European player who might travel there.
However, Napoli attorney Mattia Grassani has stated that measures could be taken to exclude players based in Europe from the tournament.
There are doubts whether the AFCON tournament can take place in Cameroon in January
SSC Napoli, the lawyer Grassani: “Africa Cup? An appeal could be made to obtain exemptions from European players. De Laurentiis entrusted me with a mission” [ESCLUSIVA] – https://t.co/AvLjLEe0wX
– Bruno Galvan (@ BrunoGalvan85) December 22, 2021
“Given the epidemiological situation, warnings and other similar situations may begin,” he said Calcionapoli24.it.
“This competition takes away important resources from the clubs. This is a special historical moment, it would be different if there was 99 percent certainty and the situation was clear.
‘[Napoli] invested a lot of money in signing Victor Osimhen and if he were infected again it would be difficult.
“The first step would be a warning” [to prevent a call up] Then if there were specific items that could be charged because health standards are not the same as in European competitions, then there could be more calls for an exemption for players based in Europe. ‘
Osimhen have claimed that he will be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month despite suffering a terrible facial injury at Napoli last month.
Napoli is keen to keep major stars like Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen
Cameroon is said to be home to AFCON, but has an allegedly poor Covid vaccination rate
The 22-year-old fractured his eye socket and cheekbones in a pathetic head fight with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar during a Serie A match and was originally incapacitated for three months.
However, he has announced on Twitter that he will be ready to represent his country if he joins the roster in the coming days.
‘I’ll be available for AFCON unless when [sic] am not one of the players selected for NIGERIA, ”he wrote on Tuesday.
He has scored nine goals for Luciano Spalletti’s men in 14 games in all competitions.
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