By James Robert Kayindi
The Minister of Information in Morocco has come out to dismiss claims that Morocco has withdrawn from hosting the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The minister denied reports which claimed that the fear of lethal Ebola outbreak in West Africa had forced them to with draw from the event that is due in January 2015.
“Mustapha Khalfi, who was also the official government spokesman, said Morocco still wanted the event in January postponed because of the Ebola threat, forcing a conflict with organizers that may still see Africa’s top football tournament moved just three months before kickoff,” reads a statement on Supersport.com.
Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has however insisted that the tourney will be played as planed and is expected to kick off on the 17th January and run until February 8th.
Reports reveal that CAF has already reached out to Ghana and South Africa to be on stand-by in case Morocco decides to pull out.
“Ghana’s sports minister said on his official Facebook page that his country was approached to possibly host, and CAF also asked South Africa if it could be on standby, according to a CAF letter to the South African Football Association which was published in the South African media,” reveals a statement on Supersport.com
“Football is just a game and we can’t play with the health of Moroccans,” Morocco health minister Houssaine Louardi said this week.“There is no zero risk when it comes to Ebola.
CAF President Issa Hayatou will travel to Morocco next month to meet officials over their concerns.
“CAF has registered the request and wishes to state that there are no changes of the schedules of its competitions and events,” CAF said.
Email Robert: robert.k.circles@gmail.com