Morocco withdraw as 2015 hosts

Morocco have withdrawn its rights to host
the African Cup of Nations next year due to
fears of the viral disease Ebola, which has
ravaged a number of African nations over
the last few months.
Morocco government through the federation
had given CAF three scenarios to either let
them host the 2017 Afcon,CAF to postpone
Afcon 2015 to 2016 or they pull out
completely and take any consequence from
CAF but after the African football body failed
to respond the government of Morocco on
Thursday morning announced their decision
to pull out to avoid the risk of Ebola spread
to their nation,
A close source at the Ministry of Sports
intimated "Since CAF rejected all our requests
and suggestions then we are forced to
withdraw from hosting Afcon 2015 with
immediate effect to preserve the safety of
our citizens and for that we are prepared to
take any consequences that comes with our
actions"The source who sort anonymity said.
The withdrawal of Morocco has tipped South
Africa as the next hosts after Safa President
Danny Jordan met with CAF President Issa
Hayatou to discuss the matter while also
Sudan put up their request to CAF to be
considered as an alternative host country.
South Africa was initially scheduled to host
the tournament in 2017 following the
withdrawal of Libya as hosts due to ongoing
fighting there.
Egypt meanwhile had also indicated interest
in hosting next year’s Nations Cup, stating its
confidence in organising the competition
under short notice.
Afcon 2015 is scheduled to take place
between January 17th to February 8th 2015.
Morocco will be subject to severe sanctions
including suspension of their national teams
and clubs.