Shortly after the incident that occurred during Patrice Neveu's press conference on Tuesday, November 3, in Kégué, the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) responded. Through its president, Colonel Guy Kossi Akpovy, the governing body of Togolese football expressed its regrets to the media and called for calm.
The reaction was swift. Following the tense scene that marked the conclusion of the national team's coach's press conference, the FTF president spoke in the evening of the same day to try to ease tensions.
Guy Kossi Akpovy expressed his sincere regrets after the incident and apologized to the entire profession, particularly to the journalists who cover the Federation's activities daily.
“The press is a crucial partner of football. You have the right to ask questions, even the most delicate ones, to seek clarifications, and to practice your profession in an environment of respect and consideration,” he stated.
While lamenting the incident, the FTF president hoped it would not tarnish the relationship between the media and the actors of Togolese football.
As the gathering of the Eperviers approaches for the double confrontation against Algeria, he called for dialogue and collective mobilization around the national team.
“Now more than ever, our football needs you, your commitment, and your support,” the leader concluded in a message directed at media professionals.
For reference, the end of the coach's conference was particularly tumultuous. Patrice Neveu, irritated by a question regarding his objectives with the Eperviers, approached the journalist in question before being restrained by members of his staff and other journalists.
