Safa comes to Caf’s rescue
AFCON: GOVERNMENT TO HAVE FINAL SAY ON HOSTING
Cameroon could not meet compliance conditions.
The South African Football Association are set to launch a bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, though any final decision will depend on the approval of the government.
Safa president Danny Jordaan confirmed yesterday at Safa’s annual general meeting that the Confederation of African Football had asked South Africa to look at hosting the tournament, after the announcement on Friday that Cameroon had been removed as hosts.
Jordaan said Safa will make the bid for Afcon 2019 but must consult the government first. He said the government will have the final say.
The cost of hosting the tournament is likely to be the main de- terrent for South Africa in terms of hosting – the competition is set to take place in June and has been expanded to 24 teams.
If South Africa did host the Afcon, then they would qualify as hosts. Stuart Baxter’s side need at least a point from their final qualifier away to Libya in March to make it to the finals.
South Africa has already stepped in twice to host an Afcon – in 1996 when Kenya were unable to host, and as recently as 2013, when Libya had to pull out.
Caf released a statement on Friday explaining why Cameroon would no longer be hosts.
“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,” it read.
“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.
“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.”
South African Football Association vice-president Irvin Khoza was vocal in his support of a bid at yesterday’s AGM.
“I have urged Safa to make the 2019 bid as it is important for SA to remain a major role player,” added Khoza.”