Cameroon has officially been stripped of the rights to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Ahmad Ahmad, the President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed the decision was taken during an Extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee in Accra on Friday, November 30.
At the meeting, reports of the last two inspection visits to central African nation which focused on security, infrastructure and accommodation were reviewed after which it was agreed that Cameroon is not fit to host the June 15 to July 13 continental showpiece.
Addressing the press in Accra, Ahmad declared: “This is a crucial and decisive moment for the good of African football… We decided to withdraw Afcon hosting rights from Cameroon.”
Meeting notes
After significant debate and having received detailed updates from numerous inspection visits over nearly 18 months, Caf has noted that a number of compliance conditions have not been met.
In addition, after having heard from representatives of the governmental and sports authorities of Cameroon, and reviewed the latest progress on preparations, Caf notes the gap between the requirements of hosting the Afcon and realities on the ground.
Furthermore, after hearing the conclusions of the Caf Security Inspection Team during their most recent visit to Cameroon, Caf concludes that the Africa Cup of Nations could not be exposed to any issues that could impact on the success of the most prestigious African competition.
After having considered that a simple postponement of the tournament was impossible because of Caf’s contractual commitments, and the importance of maintaining the competition calendar, the CAF Executive Committee decided that the next edition of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations could not be held in Cameroon.
Hosting applications re-opened
The decision to strip Cameroon, without appeal, means that Caf will now initiate an open and urgent call for new host country bids to ensure Afcon 2019 takes place next summer.
Caf says it will ensure that a new host is in place by 31st December 2018, and it will communicate openly and transparently on the process and subsequent decision.
