Morocco won’t host Africa Cup of Nations because of Ebola fears

Morocco was removed as host of the 2015 African Cup of Nations and expelled from taking part in the continental football championship on Tuesday, after it sought to delay the coming tournament, fearing a spread of the Ebola virus.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) repeatedly refused Morocco’s request to postpone the African Cup until 2016, because of fears that an influx of foreign fans could help spread the Ebola epidemic, which has killed about 5,000 people in the West African nations of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

After expelling Morocco, the CAF accused the North African nation of being alarmist, noting that the Ebola virus has not been detected in Morocco; few visiting fans were expected, and a postponement could be financially crippling to the regional governing body.

No new host for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February, has been named and it remains unclear whether the completion will go ahead as scheduled.

There is speculation that Algeria, Angola or Nigeria could be possible hosts, although none have as yet stepped up. South Africa, which took over from Libya in 2013, has also indicated that it

"It is totally impossible," South African sports minister Fikile Mbalula said. "We would like to give this one a pass."

Egypt, which is home to the CAF headquarters, has also turned its nose up at the idea, saying it will not host tournament for "economic and political reasons".

Football fans were quick to criticise Morocco’s refusal to host the tournament, accusing Morocco of blowing the threat of Ebola out of proportion.

Others, however, were more sympathetic.