“It is unacceptable”

African players have been integral to Leverkusen’s purple patch this season, ranging from attack to midfield and then to defence.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO, Fernando Carro has voiced his displeasure over the timing and schedule of the African Cup of Nations tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fernando Carro, who took over the reins at the club in 2018, is exploring the possibility of taking legal action to prevent Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella from representing the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Spaniard’s major concern is the devastating effect that the players’ absence will cause in the team, as it will most likely lead to a disruption in the team balance and synergy.

Amine Adli (Morrocco), Odillon Kousonnou (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface (Nigeria) are widely tipped expected to be chosen by their country to feature at the tournament, and that baffles Carro.

Carro, is an influential member of the European Club Association (ECA), and has voiced strong criticism regarding the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

“It is unacceptable that the Africa Cup is being played in the middle of the season.To change that, I’ll have to get into a legal dispute with FIFA. We’re also considering a legal means of not having to release the players,”  Carro stated in revealed by Sport1.

Tapsoba and Victor  Boniface are undisputed starters for Die Werkself, and although the team have strength in depth, the specific dynamics of both players will be sorely missed, should they be called up for the AFCON tournament.