The uncertainty surrounding the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to intensify as Morocco prepares to withdraw from hosting due to fears related to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. With top alternative nations like South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana declining to take over, CAF (Confederation of African Football) faces a mounting crisis.
Roger Milla’s Strong Reaction
African football legend Roger Milla, known for his iconic performances with Cameroon, has spoken out, casting doubt on Morocco’s motives:
“I don’t think Ebola is scaring Morocco; I think Morocco is hiding something from us. It’s up to them to tell us what’s really going on.”
He criticizes CAF’s contingency planning as well:
“Moving the Cup to Ghana or South Africa just moves the problem. If Morocco pulls out, what happens to the group stages and the countries already eliminated or qualified? It disrupts everything.”
Milla’s comments highlight key issues:
Morocco’s automatic qualification: If they withdraw, their spot becomes unclear.
Tournament integrity: Changing the host could affect group compositions and qualifying fairness.
Logistics: Venue readiness, matchday rescheduling, and team accommodations remain unresolved.
What’s Next?
CAF is expected to hold emergency meetings to:
Confirm Morocco’s withdrawal or persuade them to reconsider.
Find a last-minute replacement—a challenge given the scale and time constraints.
Decide on a potential postponement or, as some suggest, cancel the edition altogether.
Summary
Roger Milla’s candid remarks underscore the complexity and opacity surrounding AFCON 2015. With just months to go, CAF faces a critical decision that will have implications for teams, fans, and the credibility of African football.
