Morocco deny withdrawing as hosts of 2015
Africa Cup of Nations
 October 16, 2014
 Written by admin
Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco have denied reports that they
have withdrawn as the host of next year’s
African Cup of Nations because of the
deadly ebola outbreak in west Africa.
However, they do still want the tournament
postponed, forcing a conflict with organisers.
The Confederation of African Football insists
the tournament, to be held between January 17
and February 8, must go ahead as planned.
The ebola virus has claimed more than 4,000
lives since the start of the year, and with
around a million spectators expected to travel
to watch the tournament, Morocco sports
minister Mohamed Ouzzine reiterated the
country’s desire to for a postponement.
“Our concern is the health of Africa, and based
on WHO [World Health Organisation] reports
and guidelines, we have to listen,” he said.
“Zero safety does not exist, but one has to
take the necessary precautions so that the
coming tournament will be a football feast,
bringing together our African brothers, but
given the current ebola situation we don’t
think such a feast can take place as expected.
“I don’t think there is any state or any country
that has the necessary capabilities to monitor,
check and control the current ebola situation
when faced with these numbers. This is our
real problem. We don’t have a problem with
visiting teams, we have a problem with
visitors.”
It is believed at least two other countries have
been asked if they can step in at short-notice if
Morocco refuses to host on the original dates.
One is believed to be South Africa, who hosted
the 2010 World Cup, while Ghana’s sports
minister Mahama Ayariga wrote on his official
Facebook page that they have been
approached.
“CAF wrote to us and indicated that Morocco
had given strong indications they would pull
out if CAF did not change the date,” Ayariga
wrote. “They are writing to a number of
countries that they think have the capacity to
be an alternative venue in the event of
Morocco actually pulling out.”

Who are we to believe?

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