Morocco has announced its decision to pull out from hosting the 2015 edition of the ‘African Cup of Nations’.
The North African country made the announcement on Thursday, 16 October, citing the spread of the Ebola virus disease as the motivating factor behind its withdrawal from the bi-annual tournament.
The country had initially urged the Confederation of African football (CAF), to postpone the tournament due to the spread of Ebola virus in some parts of West Africa, a request the continental football governing body declined, saying the tournament would proceed according to schedule.
Morocco has reportedly informed CAF that the health and security risk posed by the tournament to its citizens, has killed its interest in hosting the competition.
With less then three months to the commencement of the tournament, CAF is now faced with the arduous task of finding a replacement as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, South Africa, which hosted the tournament in 2013, and Ghana are believed to be on standby, to host the competition.
