2015 Africa Cup of Nations Still Without Host, Algeria Declines Emergency Bid
As the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) edges closer, the uncertainty surrounding its host country deepens. Originally slated to be held in Morocco from January 17 to February 8, 2015, the tournament is now in limbo after the North African nation requested a postponement due to fears over the Ebola outbreak, which has killed over 4,500 people, primarily in West Africa.
Despite Morocco’s assurance that it has not “given up” on hosting, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is urgently working on a Plan B, quietly contacting other nations that might step in if Morocco pulls out.
According to reports, CAF sent letters to seven countries exploring emergency hosting options. Ghana has officially expressed readiness to step in despite concerns from health professionals in the country. South Africa, host of the 2013 edition, has so far shown hesitation.
Algeria, long rumored to be in contention, has now formally ruled itself out of hosting the 2015 edition. Speaking to local radio, Mohamed Tahmi, Algeria’s Minister of Sports, confirmed the decision:
“Regarding the organization of the 2015 CAN, the FAF [Algerian Football Federation] asked the ministry, but we responded negatively. We can’t be ready in three months.”
Tahmi instead reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to hosting future editions, pointing to their strong bid for 2019 and the still-pending 2017 candidacy.
“Our file for 2019 was solid, and we even presented it for 2017. For that edition, we will do everything to have it,” he added.
As it stands, CAF is expected to discuss and potentially decide the fate of the 2015 tournament during its Executive Committee meeting on November 2 in Algiers.
With time running out, all eyes remain on CAF to unveil a contingency plan—or confirm whether the tournament will proceed as scheduled.
