Morocco Faces Lengthy AFCON Ban After Withdrawing as 2015 Host
16 November 2014 – BBC Africa Sport
Morocco is facing a four-year suspension from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after refusing to host the 2015 tournament, citing fears over the spread of the Ebola virus. The decision has already led to the country’s disqualification from the upcoming edition, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may bar the Atlas Lions from participating in AFCON until 2019.
CAF President Issa Hayatou addressed the issue in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), making it clear that Morocco would not be spared from the consequences outlined in the governing body’s regulations.
“We will apply our regulations. They are clear,” Hayatou stated firmly. “Remember, in 1996, Nigeria refused to take part in the competition in South Africa. They were suspended for four years. The same rules apply—there will be no double standards.”
Under CAF statutes, any nation that withdraws from hosting duties less than six months before the scheduled start date faces a minimum fine of $50,000, additional financial penalties for damages, and potential disciplinary action. The severity of these sanctions is left to the discretion of the CAF Executive Committee.
“There is no question of allowing this state of mind to take hold,” Hayatou warned. “It risks seriously harming football in Africa.”
Morocco’s request to postpone the tournament due to Ebola-related health concerns was rejected by CAF, which insisted the event would proceed as planned. With time running short, CAF announced on Friday that Equatorial Guinea had stepped in as the new host nation, ensuring the competition would take place as scheduled in January and February 2015.
The fallout from Morocco’s withdrawal has sent shockwaves through African football, with debates continuing over the balance between public health concerns and sporting commitments. While some have sympathised with Rabat’s caution, CAF has taken a firm stance to protect the integrity of its flagship tournament.
The decision not only strips Morocco of the right to host AFCON 2015 but may also delay their return to the continental stage by several years—a significant blow for a team considered one of North Africa’s strongest footballing nations.
