Morocco Withdraws from Hosting 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Over Ebola Fears
BBC Sport Africa – Rabat/Algiers
A major shockwave has hit African football. Morocco has reportedly withdrawn from hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing concerns over the deadly Ebola virus that has gripped parts of West Africa. The decision, if confirmed, marks a dramatic turn in the build-up to Africa’s biggest football tournament, just weeks before it was scheduled to kick off.
The Moroccan government, which had been designated hosts for the January 2015 tournament for over two years, is said to have officially informed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its withdrawal, after earlier requesting a postponement — a move CAF firmly rejected.
Raouraoua Responds: “I’m Still Surprised”
The development has drawn swift responses, notably from Mohamed Raouraoua, president of the Algerian Football Federation and a CAF and FIFA executive member. Speaking to Algerian media, Raouraoua expressed both surprise and concern:
“I am surprised and still don’t understand why Morocco requested the postponement at this moment. It’s certain that CAF will refuse because the most affected countries will not even participate, and postponement could mean European clubs won’t release their players.”
Raouraoua’s comments reflect the high-level tensions behind the scenes, as CAF now scrambles to find a new host country on very short notice.
Morocco’s Three Proposals Rejected
According to sources like Radio Soleil and several Moroccan outlets, Morocco had offered three alternative scenarios to CAF:
Postpone the tournament to June-July 2015, allowing time to combat Ebola.
Delay it to early 2016, as was done with the 2012/2013 editions.
Cancel the 2015 edition entirely and allow Morocco to host the 2017 AFCON instead.
However, CAF remained adamant about maintaining the original dates (January 17 – February 8, 2015), arguing that postponement would disrupt both the international calendar and relations with clubs abroad.
South Africa Declines, Ghana in Talks
CAF, now in a race against time, reportedly reached out to South Africa and Ghana as potential emergency hosts. South Africa has declined, citing public health concerns and the financial burden — a sentiment echoed by its sports minister, Fikile Mbalula.
Ghana has not officially responded, but skepticism remains due to local resistance and fears over Ebola.
What’s Next?
CAF now faces a logistical crisis. With Morocco out and no confirmed backup, the organization may have to consider unprecedented measures, including shifting the tournament to a neutral venue, a compressed schedule, or even risking cancellation.
Whatever happens next, the 2015 AFCON is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic in modern history — a tournament mired in fear, politics, and uncertainty.
