Sideline referee pushed me to give yellow card to Helliche, says Kofi Codjia

Echorouk has been trying to call Benin referee Kofi Codjia since the end of the African match between Algeria and Egypt. Though his answers did not convince us and will not because everyone watched the shameful match. The coach gave two red cards to Algeria’s players triggering anger among its people.

• Good afternoon M. Kofi Codjia?
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• Good afternoon. Who is speaking?
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• Mohamed Nedjari from Algeria’s Echorouk newspaper.
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• What do you want from me and who gave you my phone number?
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• I just want to ask you some questions as you are accused of cheating in the African semi-final match between Algeria and Egypt in Angola.
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• Who gave you my phone number?
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• From one of your friends. He is a jouralist.
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• I recognised him but I have not called him since a long time.
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• May I ask you some questions now?
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• Yes but I may not answer certain questions and I do not want you to put pressure on me. I will give you five minutes only.
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• Thank you.
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• First of all, I want to know about your relation with the Algerian people. Have you ever been in a misunderstanding with them?
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• I have a good relation with the Algerian people. Personally, I like them as they are known for their faithfulness to work, nation and football.
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• But the Algerian people accuse you of helping Egypt to beat Algeria in the African semi final match in Angola?
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• The Algerian people have the right to say whatever they want. Defeat had a strong effect and I understand their reaction.
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• Do you want to say that Egypt’s victory was on the pitch only?
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• For me, the point is that I have a clear conscience and I do not care about the way Egypt won. I am sure that I did not make any error.
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• How do you explain your decision to give a yellow card to Helliche in the beginning of the match and you gave him another red one later? Do you believe that it was objective?
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• Firstly, I want the Algerian people know that there are three referees in the pitch. I consulted the sideline referee before I had given the card to Helliche.
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• Does it mean you hold the sideline referee responsible for that?
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• It does not matter but the point is that I am sure I was a good referee in the match.
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• The Algerian people say you got money from Egypt in return for your help in the match. What is your comment?
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• I will not answer this question and you have to ask the CAF about that.
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• Did you meet the Algerian Football Federation’s officials after the match?
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• I did not meet any Algerian person but I had some troubles. Some fans threatened ma by phone.
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• What is your relation with Egypt?
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• I have a good relation with all the African people.
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• So why have you been suspended?
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• Codjia hung up. Echorouk tried to call him once against but he did not answer on the phone.