By Andrew Warshaw
November 3 – A decision over when and whether to stage next year’s African Cup of Nations is imminent following urgent talks between African Football Confederation (CAF) officials and the Moroccan organisers who have asked for the tournament to be delayed or postponed because of the Ebola crisis that has claimed more than 5,000 lives.
Morocco fears that the potential influx of several hundred thousand supporters from the various finalists could spread the epidemic but CAF has argued up to this point that it will not call off the event, leading to an impasse that must be resolved with the tournament only two months away.
A senior African football official, who asked not to be named, told AFP there were three likely scenarios:
– Morocco backs down and agree to original January 17-February 8 hosting dates.
– CAF agrees to postpone tournament to mid-2015 or early 2016.
– Talks collapse, Morocco withdraw, and CAF seek new hosts.
Of the countries reportedly approached as possible emergency hosts, Nigeria and Ghana are understood to be undecided while Algeria, Egypt, South Africa and Sudan have all declined.
The Cup of Nations, the region’s blue riband event televised worldwide, generates $11.7 million from TV and marketing rights.
Moroccan sports minister Mohammed Ouzzine insists health must come first and stressed there was a huge difference between the Nations Cup and next month’s FIFA Club World Cup which the north African country is also hosting but which does not involve nearly as many visiting fans from the Continent.
“Our demand for a postponement (of the Nations Cup) is motivated by the latest WHO report, which contains alarming numbers regarding the extent and spread of the virus,” he said. “Morocco are facing a historical responsibility as there has never been such a deadly Ebola epidemic.”
CAF is in a tricky position because if the finals go ahead as scheduled, European clubs may refuse to release their players over fears about Ebola. A CAF delegation is expected in Rabat today for further talks amid reports that CAF president Issa Hayatou (pictured) will ultimately make the final decision on the 16-team tournament.
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