By Andrew Warshaw
October 20 – The troubled African Cup of Nations has received a further blow with the news that South Africa, which has already stepped in twice to rescue the tournament in recent years, may not be willing to do so again.
Last week the South African authorities met to consider whether to take over at short notice after it emerged that hosts Morocco want to postpone or move the three-week tournament because of fears over the spread of the Ebola virus.
But the South Africans are also wary of the epidemic as well as the cost of staging the event and are reluctant to replace Morocco for the 16-nation blue riband event of the African calendar that is due to start in mid-January but which is now causing grave concern.
“There are just too many factors to consider for South Africa if we are to host a tournament of this magnitude,” said a statement from sports minister Fikile Mbalula.
“Our major concern is the cost implication of such a tournament when South Africa is currently grappling with its own fiscal challenges. A tournament of this nature, if planned outside the normal budgetary cycle, will require budgetary adjustments, a process that is currently not an option.
“The tournament, as is also a concern for Morocco, may also pose a challenge on how we can grapple with the Ebola challenge engulfing the continent at the moment.”
Morocco has denied reports it has already withdrawn because of the Ebola virus which has struck at the heart of three countries in West Africa. But postponing is out of the question for the Confederation of African Football which has put a number of countries on standby and might even choose a replacement host via the lottery of a blind draw. Ghana, Sudan and Egypt have been mentioned as countries that may be persuaded to take on the event.
Meanwhile, Moroccan health minister Houssaine Louardi, who advised the sports authorities to ask for a postponement, re-iterated the potential hazards. “Football is just a game and we can’t play with the health of Moroccans. There is no zero risk when it comes to Ebola,” he said.
The unprecedented dilemma is unenviable both for Morocco and CAF. Morocco’s sports minister Mohammed Ouzzine tried to inject an element of diplomacy. “We are talking with CAF to find a solution. We are concerned about what happens in Africa because we are part of this continent and we are proud to be a part of it.”
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