2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Doubt Amid Ebola Fears and Host Uncertainty
BBC Sport Africa – Cairo
The future of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains uncertain, as host nation Morocco continues to push for a postponement of the tournament due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of West Africa. The Confederation of African Football (CAF), however, remains firm in its commitment to proceed with the competition as originally scheduled.
Morocco, selected as hosts two years ago, has officially requested that the tournament be delayed until either June 2015 or the winter of 2016, arguing that a postponement would allow additional time to assess and contain the public health risk posed by the deadly virus. The request comes amid growing concerns about mass gatherings involving teams and fans from countries affected by the epidemic — notably Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Despite rising speculation that Morocco may withdraw entirely, officials have denied any such decision has been made. “It is only a rumour, as is often the case when it comes to football,” said Hamid Faridi, a close adviser to Moroccan Sports Minister Mohamed Ouzzine, in comments to Jeune Afrique. “We have only proposed to delay the tournament, not cancel our involvement.”
CAF, however, is not entertaining the idea of rescheduling. In anticipation of a possible Moroccan withdrawal, the governing body has reached out to several nations — including Ghana and South Africa — to assess their willingness to step in as emergency hosts.
CAF General Secretary Hicham El-Amrani confirmed in a letter that alternative hosts would be selected by draw if multiple nations expressed interest. But securing a replacement is proving challenging.
South Africa, a previous host of both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 AFCON, has formally declined. In a public statement released by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, the government cited health concerns and public opposition to staging another costly football tournament. “Our people are not supportive of another major event with huge expenditure,” the statement read.
Sudan, which had initially expressed interest, has also withdrawn from consideration.
With time running out, CAF is facing an unprecedented crisis. If Morocco formally steps down and no alternative host emerges, the 2015 tournament — scheduled to kick off in January — could face cancellation or emergency restructuring.
For now, the question remains unresolved: where, and even if, the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations will be held. CAF is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks, under increasing pressure from health authorities, national federations, and a concerned public.
