Morocco will not host African Cup of Nations for fear of Ebola outbreak

Football News 24/7

Host Nation Morocco have dropped out of hosting the African Cup of Nations next year due to fears over the spread of the Ebola virus.

Morocco have subsequently been barred from the tournament who would have qualified as hosts, from the finals.

CAF have not announced a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.

The nation had asked to postpone the competition until 2016, but CAF have maintained that the competition will go ahead in 2015.

Qualification matches for the tournament will continue as planned on 14 and 15 November to decide which 15 teams will join the new host country for the finals.

Up to 4 November, at least 4960 people have died of the virus, sparking international efforts to get aid to the affected areas, which is  mainly in the West African countries of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Morocco had expressed fears an influx of foreign fans could help spread the epidemic.

The North African country is willing to continue with its hosting duties for the FIFA World Club tournament because it did not expect many supporters to travel from Ebola-affected regions.

The two African teams playing in the Club World Cup are from Morocco and Algeria.