YAMOUSSOUKRO, January 31, 2024 – The International Sports Press Association Africa section (AIPS Africa) deplores the attitude of certain colleagues accredited for the coverage of the 34th edition of the 2023 African Cup of Nations which is taking place in Ivory Coast.

NOBLE PROFESSION Being a journalist means behaving properly, and above all, exercising restraint. Certain behaviours are simply unworthy of a profession as noble as journalism.

DISTRESSING SPECTACLE Between pitched battles, attacks, invectives, it is a distressing spectacle that certain colleagues have been delivering to the world since the start of CAN 2023. The media work spaces (Press gallery, Mixed zone, Conference room) have been transformed into a boxing ring, or even simply transformed into a dancefloor or performance zone hosted by media badge holders.

ETHICS Even if the journalist is not a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object), he cannot be considered a supporter. This is why AIPS Africa invites colleagues to be reasonable and to work in compliance with the rules of ethics and professional conduct.

TRAINING OF JOURNALISTS To this end, AIPS Africa encourages national member associations to work more in the training and capacity building of their members in the context of the coverage of sporting events.