RABAT, Oct 18 (AFP): Morocco denied Friday pulling out of staging the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations but did confirm they were seeking a postponement due to the Ebola epidemic.
Morocco, due to host the biennial continental showcase from January 17 to February 8, appealed last week to have the tournament delayed due to Ebola which has claimed over 4,500 lives.
This met with a stiff reply from organisers, with the Confederation of African Football saying the event would go ahead as planned, with or without Morocco.
Crisis talks are planned between Morocco and CAF next month.
"Morocco strongly express their desire to host the next edition of the CAN," read a statement from the Ministry of Sports, three months ahead of the scheduled opening match in Marrakech.
The statement went on to say that they "strongly deny any allegations that the country has pulled out" of hosting the event.
The same source went on to say that they are willing to discuss "alternatives" ahead of talks between Morocco and CAF,
"It's too early to speak of a definitive decision," Morocco sports minister Mohammed Ouzzine said this week when asked how Morocco would act if CAF maintained their stance to go ahead with the original dates.
Moroccan officials and CAF president Issa Hayatou, are set to meet on November 2 in Alger, Algeria.
If Morocco insist on a postponement, CAF are expected to choose new hosts, with South Africa and Ghana reportedly sounded out about stepping in to host the championships.
Three west African countries - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone - have been worst hit by the deadly Ebola outbreak.
Guinea and Sierra Leone play home fixtures outside theit borders, and neither team are likely qualifiers for the 2015 Nations Cup.
Hosts Morocco deny pulling out of Nations Cup
FE Team | Published: October 19, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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