Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad has strongly defended the body's decision to remove the Africa-based Player of the Year and referee categories from its 2017 awards.

CAF removed both accolades last month after 10 footballers and six referees had originally been shortlisted for the awards.

On the eve of the ceremony in Accra, Ahmad insisted both categories were dropped to promote strong competition and avoid corruption.

''The best is always the best. We don’t have two bests,'' Ahmad said at Wednesday's press conference.

''The players based in Africa are also capable of winning the award so there is no need to categorize them.''

On the referee's award, Ahmed explained to reporters why that prize has also been scrapped.

"The referees already have their own awards by being recognised for high profile games.

"Based on the locations of the referee, they're rewarded with - say for example - the champions league quarterfinals and subsequent games.

"Another argument is that it is unethical. The committee believes that by giving referees awards, it may lead to some corruption at a latter stage."

Source:Ghanaguardian.com