Moyes Calls For Prem African Shutdown

Everton gaffer David Moyes has called for a Premier League shut-down during future African Cup of Nations tournaments...

In an ideal world, the bigwigs would have the African showpiece moved to the European off-season. These calls were rebuffed, though, by the Confederation of African Football, who are unwilling to make this compromise.

David Moyes is without Joseph Yobo, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Stephen Pienaar during this crucial period of matches. With the Toffees pushing for a European place this term, Moyes is of the opinion that the Premier League should accommodate the Cup of Nations instead.

"You cannot win. But maybe now we have to consider if we close the Premier League season down during the African Nations Cup," Moyes told AFP.

"That would be the correct respect for Africa and the players in it.

"If we want to bring players in from that part of the world we should be rightly allowed to do so, which we are, but it is not a fair playing field if you cannot field your best team."

Indeed, the fixture problems aren’t limited to Europe and Africa. Everton midfielder Tim Cahill may soon be on Australia duty, with FIFA clearly struggling to correlate the world football calendar.

"I think it's ridiculous that someone has to fly halfway around the world in between two league matches at this stage of the season," said Moyes.

"But Tim has to make the decision on whether he goes to play for Australia or not. He has got a hamstring injury just now so we will have to see if that hinders him in any way."