By David Gold
August 25 – South Africa will host the 2013 African Nations Cup instead of Libya after their respective football federations agreed a deal.
Libya, which was due to host the competition, has been in the grips of an uprising against dictator Colonel Gadaffi, and is currently in the process of transition following his overthrowing by rebels.
The rebels took control of the capital Tripoli earlier this week, though some towns remain under Gaddafi’s control, meaning that Libya was unable to host next year’s African Nations Cup.
South Africa, which hosted a highly successful World Cup last year and was due to host the 2017 tournament, will effectively swap with Libya, so that they will host the tournament in six years’ time instead.
A statement on the South African Football Federation (SAFA) website read: “The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Football Federation of Libya have signed an agreement with regards the hosting of the 2013 and the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.”
“Libya will host the 2017 AFCON which had been awarded to South Africa, while SAFA will take over the hosting of the 2013 AFCON tournament as well as the 2014 African Nations Cup (CHAN) which was supposed to be played in Libya.
“The agreement comes following the political upheaval in Libya, but is subject to ratification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at its next Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday, 28th September 2011 in Cairo, Egypt.”
If ratified, the announcement will infuriate Nigeria, who had been promised that they were the back up choice if any of the hosts of the 2010, 2012 or 2013 tournaments were unable to hold the tournament.
Nigeria were also overlooked earlier this week for the hosting of the 2012 Olympic Football qualifying tournament, which is being held in Egypt later this year.
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