ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf Calls for Fair Play and Integrity in African Sports
Oru Leonard
Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), President, Mustapha Berraf, has issued a strong message to the African Olympic Movement, emphasizing the importance of fair play, integrity, and protection of young athletes in sports.
In his statement which was made available to News Dot Africa Newspaper by the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mr. Tony Nezianya, Berraf condemned practices such as competition manipulation, favouritism, cheating, and age fraud in youth competitions, which undermine the credibility of African sports institutions and erode public trust.
Berraf urged all National Olympic Committees (NOCs), federations, and technical managers to strengthen control, training, and awareness mechanisms to ensure fairness and integrity in every competition.
He emphasized the need to protect young athletes from the pressure of cheating and encourage them to embrace the truth, honour, and excellence.
Berraf stated that African sports is worthy of respect, admiration, and support, but no success is worth anything if achieved unfairly.
He called on all stakeholders to uphold the values of Olympism, including excellence, friendship, and respect, to build a fair, clean, and inspiring future for African sports.
He said the Fourth African Youth Games to hold in Angola will provide a powerful moment for gathering and unity around Olympic values.
Youth Olympic Games to hold Dakar in 2026 being the first-ever edition to be organized on African soil, will be a symbol of trust, rebirth, and hope for the continent, he noted.
