Cup played too soon after death, says Pele

Pele believes the Confederations Cup final was played too soon after the death of Marc-Vivien Foe.

The Brazilian legend has criticised FIFA for the congested fixtures at the tournament, claiming they put an unfair strain on players.

“Between Foe’s death and the match there was not enough time,” Pele said. “FIFA will have to study such a situation.

“Foe’s death affected us all. If I had been confronted to such a situation? I don’t know whether I would have played.

“We also had to play this final because it represents the only possible compromise with the television, the sponsors, the advertisers, and the media.

“But I understand also some of the players might not have been ready psychologically, some of them probably had not slept much and lacked preparation.”

Victory was not the top priority for either Cameroon or France as both sides prepared for the game, with both teams keen to honour the player who was kept on the team sheet as the ultimate mark of respect.

The match, going ahead after Foe‘s wife and his mother urged his team-mates to go out and play for him, was marked by a minute‘s silence ahead of kick-off as all pre and post-match entertainment was cancelled.

Pele agreed that playing the final was a symbol of the respect in which Foe is held, while attacking the scheduling of the tournament for the demands it makes on players.

He continued: “Football is criticised because of the death of Marc-Vivien Foe, but the problem is not football but war that kills thousands of people in the world. So yes it was important to play this final, because life goes on.

“As a general comment I consider that there were too many matches in a short period of time in this Confederations Cup.

“It is too hard for the players. They are asked for more and more tactically and physically while the recuperation time is reduced.”