CAF Officially Disqualifies Morocco from Hosting and Participating in CAN 2015
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially disqualified Morocco from both hosting and participating in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the country’s request to postpone the tournament due to fears surrounding the Ebola virus outbreak.
In a firm statement published on its official website, CAF declared:
“Having notified on November 3rd its firm and unanimous decision to maintain the competition on the dates indicated, the Executive Committee confirms that the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations will not take place in Morocco.”
Morocco Disqualified from the Tournament
The Moroccan national team will also not participate in the tournament:
“The Executive Committee decides that the Moroccan national team is automatically disqualified and will not be able to take part in the 30th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015.”
Sanctions Pending
While sporting disqualification has been confirmed, disciplinary and financial sanctions against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) will be determined later. The CAF statement added:
“The Organizing Committee of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations will subsequently apply the necessary regulatory provisions, following the FRMF’s failure to comply with regulatory and contractual clauses, including those stipulated in the Framework Agreement signed between CAF and FRMF in April 2014.”
What’s Next?
CAF is expected to announce a new host nation shortly, with Gabon, Angola, or Nigeria believed to be frontrunners.
Morocco’s stance was clear: it prioritized public health concerns related to Ebola. But CAF, sticking to its original schedule, responded with its most severe punishment—total exclusion from AFCON 2015.
A historic and unprecedented move in the history of the competition, this decision reshapes both the logistics and political undertones of African football’s premier tournament.
