Keshi and Saintfiet Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet is to report coach Stephen Keshi to FIFA after the Nigeria coach reportedly called
him “a white dude who should go back to Belgium.”
Both coaches have been arguing since Malawi asked
FIFA to move next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier
from Calabar for safety reasons.
Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is unacceptable that any
person says these words – it is clear racism. “It is 100%
sure that my lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”
The row erupted earlier this month when the Football
Association of Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking a
new venue for their 7 September, 2013 Group F
qualifier away to the Super Eagles – a match which
Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points, must win to
progress to the play-offs.
Belgian Saintfiet told local media at the time that he
was concerned about security because he claims “the
UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office says it is a no-
travel area.”
Keshi hit back shortly afterwards, saying “this is where
we play our games and other countries are fine with
that.”
And the Nigerian Football Federation complied with
FIFA’s request for a written guarantee that the game
would go ahead safely.
Keshi has now followed that up with comments on UK-
based African TV show, Vox Africa’s Sports360, saying:
“I think the coach of Malawi is crazy.
“If he wants to talk to FIFA, he should go back to
Belgium. He is not an African person, he is a white
dude, he should go back to Belgium.”
“I have never used any words like these to any coach.
He has no right, who is he?
“All other countries play in Calabar. Calabar is one of
the safest places in Nigeria… He is mad. I wish I could
say it to his face.”
Saintfiet, who married a Zimbabwean earlier this year,
told BBC Sport he is “shocked” by Keshi’s comments
and he believes the former Nigeria captain’s words
could also lead to trouble at the qualifier.
“These words create hate and aggression, and creates
a risk ahead of the match in Calabar,” Saintfiet added.
“These comments are unacceptable and I am very sad
about them. I will not say any bad words about Mr
Keshi, nor Nigeria – I only spoke about moving the
game.
“If FIFA takes racism seriously, then you have to take it
seriously in both directions. If a European said
something of this nature about an African, you would
have a huge problem. “I am against racism in all
directions.”
Saintfiet believes Keshi “is angry because of the
request to change the venue,” but the Belgian stands
by his feeling that Calabar is unsafe.
“If FIFA says it’s ok (for the match to be played in
Calabar) because Nigeria will provide anti-bomb
squads, then surely this is a problem at the beginning.
If you need anti-bomb squads, you cannot consider the
area safe. It is designated a non-travel area, high-risk
area. We are not insulting anyone.”

The dude is aware of boko boys, but kechi must be careful with his words

Not a good one coming from a coach,really harsh words,too bad,Keshi,