Morocco have denied reports that they have withdrawn as the host of next year’s African Cup of Nations because of the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
However, they do still want the tournament postponed, forcing a conflict with organisers. The Confederation of African Football insists the tournament, to be held between January 17 and February 8, must go ahead as planned.
The Ebola virus has claimed more than 4,000 lives since the start of the year, and with around a million spectators expected to travel to watch the tournament, Morocco sports minister Mohamed Ouzzine reiterated the country’s desire to for a postponement.
“Our concern is the health of Africa, and based on WHO [World Health Organisation] reports and guidelines, we have to listen,” he said.
“Zero safety does not exist, but one has to take the necessary precautions so that the coming tournament will be a football feast, bringing together our African brothers, but given the current Ebola situation we don’t think such a feast can take place as expected.
“I don’t think there is any state or any country that has the necessary capabilities to monitor, check and control the current Ebola situation when faced with these numbers. This is our real problem. We don’t have a problem with visiting teams, we have a problem with visitors.”
It is believed at least two other countries have been asked if they can step in at short-notice if Morocco refuses to host on the original dates.
One is believed to be South Africa, who hosted the 2010 World Cup, while Ghana’s sports minister Mahama Ayariga wrote on his official Facebook page that they have been approached.
“CAF wrote to us and indicated that Morocco had given strong indications they would pull out if CAF did not change the date,” Ayariga wrote. “They are writing to a number of countries that they think have the capacity to be an alternative venue in the event of Morocco actually pulling out.”
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