AFCON 2019: Cameroon stripped of hosting rights

Cameroon will no longer host the 2019 edition of the African Cup of
Nations(AFCON).The country was knocked out on account of inadequate
facilities and security.

CAF executive committee at an extraordinary meeting in Accra on
Friday decided to strip the country of the rights and has now invited
fresh hosting bids.

The continent’s soccer body said a new host will be announced by December 31.

Here is CAF’s full statement:

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) today makes the
following statement, detailing the important measures taken at the
Extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee in Accra, Ghana, on
November 30, 2018.

One of the important subjects debated was the organisation of the
upcoming 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), due to be held in
Cameroon. 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.

CAF Executive committee

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.

This decision, without appeal, will mean that CAF will now initiate
an open and urgent call for new host country bids to ensure AFCON 2019
takes place next summer.

CAF 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.

CAF reiterates that Cameroon remains a serious candidate to organize a
future edition of AFCON, and acknowledges that Cameroon has mobilized
significant resources and worked tirelessly to host AFCON 2019.

CAF unequivocally reiterates its strong commitment to work closely
with Cameroon’s government authorities to mutually agree a new AFCON
framework and timetable – should it agree to host a future edition.