In 2010, the bus carrying former Togolese goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilalé and his teammates to Angola for the African Cup of Nations was attacked with machine guns. Kodjovi Obilalé sustained critical gunshot wounds that left him paraplegic. He will never play football again. Disgruntled by the seeming indifference of African football institutions, he refuses to watch the 2012 African Cup of Nations on television.

Mr Obilalé, how do you feel about not being able to play football anymore?
I am very sad because it is my only passion. I try to go to the stadium as a spectator once in a while but it’s not easy. Just look at everything that is happening in the world of football. In Egypt many people recently died, for nothing! Ironically, the motto of football is peace, respect, fair play and reconciliation. It is almost as if football has now turned into a violent sport.

You are currently undergoing treatment in Lorient, France. How have the last few months been for you?
Horrible, I would say. I am revolted by the football authorities. I am under the care of the Lorient Mobility House, a body that looks after people with disabilities. As far as the football side of things is concerned, there is an organisation, the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP), which provides me with moral support as well as legal assistance. I am very grateful to all of them.

How much support did you receive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Togolese football federation?*
It has been over a year now since they last checked on me and I find it outrageous. In all sincerity, as far as I am concerned, the world of football is dirtier than politics. I am trying to set up an organisation, ‘Joie de Vivre’ (Joy of Living), that will look after footballers who have been forsaken by the world of sports. I am only 27-years-old. What am I going to do for a living? Beg? I am only claiming my rights.

Do you still follow the African Cup of Nations?
To be honest, I haven’t watched a single game, but I hear people talking about this team beating another team. I mean: how difficult was it for them to hold a minute of silence at the opening of the AFCON? Human beings died on that day, not dogs. People tell me: “Kodjovi, the African football governing body, CAF, should have at least invited you to give the ceremonial kick-off of the competition; how come they haven’t?”

But do you have a favourite team you want AFCON 2012 to win?
With the risk of sounding offensive to you, I don’t care! I have nothing against sports and the world of football, but I am not going to watch these games. They have not honoured the memory of my teammates who died on that tragic day, in front of my very eyes. Believe me, I was there and I was not unconscious. They died right in front of me.

What future lies ahead for a young 27-year-old like yourself?
I am looking for a career that will help me grow as a person and achieve success in life. I am trying to start my own organisation, to do good and to find a job, even though it will be hard to put my football life to rest.

*The Togolese football federation was not available for comment