CAF yet to decide on Cameroon AFCON 2021 dates
The dates for Cameroon 2021, the next Africa Cup of Nations, are yet to be decided, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said.
The announcement raises the possibility of the tournament returning to its previous schedule of January/February. Egypt 2019 was the first Nations Cup to be held in June/July.
Africa Cup of Nations: Cameroon 2021 dates 'to be decided': Weather conditions in Cameroon cited for uncertainty, raising prospect of return to January/February and other details from Caf's ex-co meeting in Cairo. https://t.co/M0MreEP9nI pic.twitter.com/xrvaRe1B0W
— AfricaNewsPress (@AfricaNewsPress) November 22, 2019
CAF say the Cameroon move is due to weather conditions in the country but a move would also avoid a clash with the newly relaunched Club World Cup.
Cameroon are also the hosts, in 2020, of the African Nations Championship, for locally-based players, and that will take place in April.
But an April Nations Cup would clash with the end of the European club season, so is unlikely be an option.
CAF says it will make a decision on the dates “jointly” with the host country.
Caf president Ahmad Ahmad speaks on stage next to confederation logo
The move of the Nations Cup to June/July is a core part of Caf President Ahmad’s reforms of the continental game.
The news was one of a number of decisions made at CAF’s Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Thursday.
The governing body confirmed its decision to cancel its long-term media rights contract with French company Lagardere, which CAF says is legally required.
Lagardere has previously said it would challenge the decision or demand “a significant amount of cash”.
Caf also called for bids to host the 2019 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, which is still without a host after Congo Brazzaville pulled out.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and host nation Cameroon will decide on the start and end dates for the 2021 Africa Cup of… https://t.co/JPG7eRQAlr
— NetworkOfNews Ghana (@NofNews_Ghana) November 22, 2019
Read Also:CAF in dilemma over Women’s Nations Cup host, as South Africa turn down bid
And they announced the return of an award for players based on the continent.
There hasn’t been one since 2017, but the Executive Committee announced a new trophy for the best player featuring in the continent’s inter-club competitions – the African Champions League and Confederation Cup.