CAF said in a statement that Morocco was automatically disqualified of the 2015 African Cup of Nations and that the cup will still be hosted on schedule, though not specifying which country will be replacing Morocco.
The African body stressed that Morocco is automatically disqualified because it refused to host the tournament on schedule.
The CAF added that it had received “some applications” from other Africa countries to replace Morocco and it is currently reviewing those applications.
“The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football has taken note of the response of the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco in a letter dated 8 November 2014 requesting the postponement of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in 2015,” a statement On the African body official website reads.
“This response clearly indicates that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation reiterated its refusal to hold the competition on the dates indicated (January 17-February 8, 2015). Therefore, having firmly and unanimously notified on 3 November its decision to keep the competition on the dates indicated, the Executive Committee confirmed that the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015 will not take place in Morocco.
“The Executive Committee took note of receipt by 10 November, 2014 of some applications of national associations confirming their desire to host the 2015 competition on the dates agreed. These applications are currently under review, and the Executive Committee will finalise the selection of the successful National Association shortly and confirm the place and date of the draw of the final tournament at the same time.
“Following the refusal of the Moroccan party, the Executive Committee has decided that the national team of Morocco is automatically disqualified and will not take part in the 30th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.”
Morocco refused to host the competition on schedule due to fear of Ebola spread. The decision was “dictated by health reasons of the most dangerous kind, linked to the serious risk of the spread of the deadly Ebola pandemic,” a former statement from Moroccan officials read.
