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Reports suggest Morocco out as 2015 African Cup of Nations hosts due to Ebola concerns

Nigeria v Burkina Faso - 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 10: Sunday Mba of Nigeria celebrates his goal during the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations Final match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso from the National Stadium on Februray 10, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren / Gallo Images/Getty Images)

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Rumors are rife that Morocco have formally withdrawn their bid to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to begin in just a few months on Jan. 17.

There has been growing concerns in the North African country over a huge influx of people from all over Africa for the continent’s premier soccer tournament, with the threat of the Ebola epidemic spreading to Morocco a huge worry.

Morocco’s health ministry previously stated its concern over hosting the event but earlier this week the Confederation of African Football (CAF) quashed any suggestions that the tournament would be held elsewhere.

If the tournament is either postponed or cancelled altogether in Morocco, other potential options include Egypt and South Africa, two nations which already have stadiums and infrastructure needed to host such a large event.

No confirmation has arrived from CAF or the Moroccan Football Federation but African website supersport.com quoted an apparent source who told them:

“Since CAF rejected all our [Morocco] requests and suggestions then we are forced to withdraw from hosting Afcon 2015 with immediate effect to preserve the safety of our citizens and for that we are prepared to take any consequences that comes with our actions.”

CAF is set to discuss the potential to move or suspend the tournament at their next executive committee meeting on Nov. 2.

If Morocco does pull out of hosting the African Cup of Nations, Morocco runs the risk of sanctions from CAF which could see their national team and club teams banned from competition.

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