Morocco Reportedly Withdraws As Host Of 2015 Africa Cup Of Nations Due To Ebola

Morocco has withdrawn its rights to host the African Cup of Nations
next year due to fears of the Ebola virus, which has ravaged some West
African nations over the last few months.

Moroccan government had given the Confederation of African Football
three scenarios to either let the country host the 2017 tournament, to
postpone AFCON 2015 to 2016 or they pull out completely and take any
consequence from CAF. But the continent football governing body
failed to respond, prompting the government's decision to pull out to
avoid the risk of Ebola spread to the North African country,
supersport.com reports.

A close source at the Ministry of Sports told superspot.com: "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 accept any
decision that comes with our actions."

The withdrawal of Morocco has put South Africa in the focus as next
hosts after SAFA President Danny Jordan met with CAF President Issa
Hayatou to discuss the matter.

Sudan has also requested to CAF to be considered as alternative hosts.

South Africa was initially scheduled to host the tournament in 2017
following the withdrawal of Libya as hosts due to ongoing fighting
there.

Meanwhile, Egypt had also indicated interest in hosting next year's
Nations Cup, stating its confidence in organising the competition
under short notice.