News Digest

Morocco rejects African Nations Cup hosting over Ebola fears

The future of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) is now in jeopardy, after Morocco failed to meet a deadline to confirm it will go ahead with the hosting of January’s finals, amid fears over the spread of the Ebola virus. Morocco, which had already said it wanted the 16-team event postponed, rejected an ultimatum set by the Confederation of African Football to confirm the hosting of the continental championship, due to take place from Jan 17 to Feb. 8. Morocco is concerned that supporters from west Africa converging on the country for the tournament could bring with them the deadly virus and put their tourist industry at risk.

The decision is dictated by health reasons because of the serious threat of Ebola and the risk of its spreading.

A statement from Morocco’s sports ministry

A decision on the tournament will now be made next week when CAF has an executive committee meeting in Cairo, but Morocco will almost certainly be stripped as hosts. CAF can now either move the event to another country or cancel it at great financial cost. Global health authorities are struggling to contain the world’s worst Ebola epidemic since the disease was identified in 1976 and cases have reached as far as the United States and Spain. Morocco could face sanctions, including the possibility of a lengthy ban from future Nations Cup tournaments.