The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has apologised to media professionals after national team manager Patrice Neveu was involved in a tense exchange during a press conference in Kegue on Tuesday, 3 November.
FTF president Colonel Guy Kossi Akpovy addressed the incident later that evening, just hours after the closing stages of Neveu’s media briefing had become heated. His comments were intended to ease tensions and prevent the episode from damaging relations between journalists and those involved in Togolese football.
Akpovy expressed his “sincere regrets” and apologised to the media community, with particular emphasis on journalists who regularly cover the federation’s activities.
“The press is an essential partner of football. You have the right to ask questions, even the most difficult ones, to seek clarification and to carry out your work in an atmosphere of respect and consideration,” he said.
The FTF president said he regretted what had happened and called for calm following the confrontation. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between the media and football stakeholders in Togo.
The incident came only a few days before the Eperviers are due to begin their training camp ahead of a double-header against Algeria. Against that backdrop, Akpovy appealed for dialogue and collective support for the national team.
“More than ever, our football needs you, your commitment and your support,” he concluded in a message directed at media professionals.
The disturbance occurred at the end of Neveu’s press conference, when the manager reacted angrily to a question about his objectives with the Eperviers. He then moved towards the journalist who had asked the question before members of his coaching staff and other journalists intervened to hold him back.
The FTF’s response followed the incident on the same day, with Akpovy seeking to calm the situation and reaffirm the media’s role in covering the national side and the federation.
