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2015 AFRICA CUP - MOVING 2015 EVENT 'ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE'

AFRICA CUP 2015 AFRICA CUP 2015 QUALIFIERS

It will be almost impossible to stage the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on time, says the man who organised the 2008 tournament in Ghana.

Morocco was due to stage the 2015 Cup but was removed as host after expressing fears over the Ebola virus.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) insists the tournament will go ahead on time, starting on 17 January.

But Dr Kofi Amoah told the BBC: "It could be a sham. I don't think there is enough time for anyone to do it."

CAF said earlier this week that several countries had applied to stage the relocated event, and that a decision would be made in a matter of days .


WHO WILL STEP IN AS HOST?

GABON
Gabon, who co-hosted in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea, has been mentioned, but they only have two stadiums available.

TUNISIA
Tunisia hosted in 2004 and has the venues, but recent political turmoil and violence at football matches might count them out.

ALGERIA
Algeria is one of seven nations who have said they want to host the 2017 tournament and are the only ones who might be in a position to host earlier.

NIGERIA
Nigeria hosted the Under-17 World Cup in 2009 and a new facility in Akwa-Ibom state. But presidential elections are set for a week after the tournament.

...

But Amoah believes that any country that steps in faces a "gargantuan" task to stage the tournament with just 65 days notice.

"It could become a disgrace to African football," Amoah told BBC World Service. "60 to 70 days will not be adequate for most countries.

"There is a lot of stuff to do.

Accreditation systems, security, which is very important.

Without that it'll be a mess."

Amoah says he supports Morocco's decision to ask for a postponement of the tournament.

"I don't think Morocco should be penalised. 

They've done this to protect the whole of Africa," he said.

"All the things that come into human necessity come into play and it would be best to postpone it."

UNDERSTANDING THE EBOLA VIRUS AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID IT 

How the Ebola outbreak has affected African football

 

14 Nov 2014
(BBC Sport UK and Nick Cavell, BBC Sport)

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