Abuja – The Confederation of African Football (CAF)
has ordered Sierra Leone and Guinea to relocate
their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers because of
the Ebola virus outbreak in their countries.
CAF also wrote to its other member-associations to
inform them of its decision to ask the two countries
to relocate their home games in the AFCON
qualifiers.
It said in the letter that the move was “a preventative
measure to avoid mass gatherings that could
facilitate the spread of the virus’’.
The continental football governing body also said the
measure would remain in place until mid-September.
It means at least the first two rounds of matches,
scheduled for between Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, and 10
September, will be affected.
The World Health Organisation has till date reported
1,848 cases of Ebola.
These cases have resulted in 1,013 deaths, mainly in
Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
Sierra Leone had already said it was not hosting
matches until further notice, and it had asked Ghana
if it can host its Group D matches there.
Following CAF’s directive, Guinea will now need to
find a new venue for their Group E tie against Togo.
Togo had a few days ago said it was hoping the
match in Guinea would be moved to another venue.
Meanwhile, CAF has also moved to allay fears
surrounding the two countries’ away fixtures.
“Each federation whose country is affected by the
virus must ensure their delegations travelling abroad
can be examined before departure.
“Each national association receiving delegations must
communicate the necessary information delivered by
health authorities to ensure the reception of teams…
and if necessary to provide additional checks at
arrival points,’’ it said.
Sierra Leone is due to play Ivory Coast, DR Congo and
Cameroon in the last round of qualifying.
The qualifying competition runs from early
September to mid-November.
Guinea’s group also includes Ghana and Uganda.
The qualifying competition will decide the 15 teams
to join hosts Morocco at the African Nations Cup
finals next January and February.(NAN)