Cameroon stripped of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights

Cameroon have been stripped of hosting duties for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to delays over their preparations for the tournament.

The executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the decision on Friday following a lengthy meeting in Accra, Ghana.

Next year’s expanded edition of the biennial tournament will be held in June and July, with 24 nations taking part.

Cameroon, who lifted the trophy last year after beating Egypt 2-1 in the final, were initially named as hosts for a 16-team event, only for CAF to confirm an increase in participants in July 2017 during a symposium held in Morocco.

Today, the @CAF_Online Executive Committee met in Accra, Ghana and has decided that @FecafootOfficie could not host the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations – Further information will follow soon at: https://t.co/9LkqZloPx3 pic.twitter.com/hV93vH2R0h

— CAF (@CAF_Online) November 30, 2018

The announcement raised concerns over the country’s suitability to stage the competition. An August inspection noted a “significant delay as far as the delivery of the infrastructure is concerned”, while a further study in October looked into security issues near proposed venues.

“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,” a statement from CAF read.

“In addition, after having heard from representatives of the government 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.

“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.”

CAF confirmed Cameroon have no right of appeal against the decision. The governing body plans to name a new host by December 31 following a new bidding process for those countries interested.