Morocco may be banned from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and slapped with fines after withdrawing from hosting the 30th edition of the continent’s flagship tournament two months before schedule.
Morocco requested a postponement of the tournament over fears of the deadly Ebola virus, though they are billed to host the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup next month.
The request was, however, turned down by the Confederation of African Football, which insists the tournament must be held between January 17 and February 8, 2015.
“The Organising Committee of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations will later apply the statutory provisions that are required due to a breach of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation regulatory and contractual provisions, including those set out in the Host Association Agreement signed between CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in April 2014.”
CAF’s Executive Committee confirmed on Tuesday that some countries have tendered applications to replace Morocco.
“These applications are currently under review, and the Executive Committee will finalize 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.”
As per CAF’s regulations, withdrawal notified less than six months before the start of the final tournament will attract a fine of $50,000.
Already, Morocco has been banned from the 2015 edition.
