Africa deserves more places at World Cup, says Cameroon FA

AP, Friday 18 Jan 2013

Cameroon Football Federation president Mohammed Iya says Africa deserves more than its current five places at the World Cup

Ghana
Ghana's John Mensah, center, is comforted by Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, left, after missing a penalty kick during the shootout of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Uruguay and Ghana at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday, July 2, 2010. (Photo: AP)

Iya says half of the European teams that earn a spot at soccer's premier tournament are no better than many African teams.

Iya says Africa's federations are ''convinced we deserve more.'' His statement was backed on Friday by Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Africa has five berths in the 32-team World Cup, compared to 13 from Europe, up to five from Asia and up to five from South America.

Europe's allocation appears to be the biggest problem for African federations, although FIFA has made no move to increase Africa's places.

Nyantakyi said Ghana's run to the quarterfinals of the last World Cup ''enhanced the reputation of African teams.''

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