Morocco will not host Africa Cup

Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because of its fears over the Ebola outbreak elsewhere on the continent, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed.

Caf expelled Morocco,  who would have qualified as hosts, from the finals.

It did not announce a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.

But BBC Sport understands three nations have expressed an interest and the new host will be confirmed on Wednesday.

Morocco had been given until Saturday to make a final decision on whether or not it would host the tournament.

It had asked to postpone the competition until 2016.

Egypt has stated it will not host the tournament for “economic and political reasons”.

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 4,960 people had been reported as having died from Ebola, 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 scheduled to host Fifa’s Club World Cup  next month, featuring Champions League winners Real Madrid.

It said it was willing to continue with its hosting duties for that 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.

BBC