ARSENE WENGER has been slammed by Conmebol following comments made where he suggested Europe was the only continent capable of bringing through talent.
The former Arsenal manager is now FIFA’s chief of global development and he claimed Africa lacked the infrastructure required for footballers to reach their potential.
Conmebol, the South American football governing body, have taken offence to the comments.
Wenger, 72, at the International Coaching Conference last month said that if PSG striker Kylian Mbappe: “had been born in Cameroon, he wouldn’t have become the striker he is today.
“There’s Europe and there’s rest of the world.
“The latter needs help, otherwise we’re going to miss a great deal of talent.”
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Conmebol have written to FIFA to express their displeasure at the remarks.
A statement read: “Wenger’s words, show an unusual ignorance about the valuable input of African players in world soccer, and particularly in Europe.
” [Wenger’s comments] show a denigrating twist that hides the effort of footballers and sporting institutions that are not in Europe.
“Just like Africans, we South Americans know first hand that kind of behaviour that comes from the belief that the world begins and ends in Europe.
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“[The] most objectionable prejudices are disguised as reasoned and intelligent reflections.”
FIFA and Wenger are yet to respond to the shots fired back from South America’s football governing body.
Conmebol also criticised FIFA’s decision to allow five subs in matches saying the choice: “took place without a process of consultations and debate.”
Additionally, Wenger has put forward ideas to allow throw-ons to be kicked onto the pitch.
