Morocco Requests Postponement of 2015 AFCON Due to Ebola Concerns
The final phase of the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be postponed, following an official request submitted today by the Moroccan government to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The request stems from health concerns related to the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak in parts of West Africa.
According to a press release from Morocco’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, relayed by AFP, the decision was taken in light of advice from the Ministry of Health, which strongly recommended avoiding large international gatherings involving countries affected by Ebola.
The Ebola epidemic, which has claimed over 4,000 lives, is currently most severe in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia. These countries have already been barred by CAF from hosting home matches for their national teams.
The 2015 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from January 17 to February 8, but the health concerns now cast uncertainty over its timing and location. CAF has not yet issued a formal response to Morocco’s request for a postponement.
This development adds pressure to CAF, which must now weigh the public health risk against the logistical and financial implications of altering the continent’s most prestigious football competition.
