The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ordered
Sierra Leone and Guinea to relocate their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
because of the Ebola virus outbreak in their countries.
Report says CAF also wrote to its other member-associations
to inform them of its decision to ask the two countries to relocate their home
games in the AFCON qualifiers.
Speaking with news men he said in the letter that the move
was “a preventative measure to avoid mass gatherings that could facilitate the
spread of the virus’’.
The continental football governing body also said the measure
would remain in place until mid-September.
It means at least the first two rounds of matches, scheduled
for between Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, and 10 September, will be affected.
The World Health Organisation has till date reported 1,848
cases of Ebola.
These cases have resulted in 1,013 deaths, mainly in Sierra
Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
Sierra Leone had already said it was not hosting matches
until further notice, and it had asked Ghana if it can host its Group D matches
there.
Following CAF’s directive, Guinea will now need to find a new
venue for their Group E tie against Togo.
Togo had a few days ago said it was hoping the match in
Guinea would be moved to another venue.
Meanwhile, CAF has also moved to allay fears surrounding the
two countries’ away fixtures.
Meanwhile each federation whose country is affected by the
virus must ensure their delegations travelling abroad can be examined before
departure.
He said, “Each national association receiving delegations
must communicate the necessary information delivered by health authorities to
ensure the reception of teams… and if necessary to provide additional checks at
arrival points
Sierra Leone is due to play Ivory Coast, DR Congo and
Cameroon in the last round of qualifying.
The qualifying competition runs from
early September to mid-November.
Guinea’s group also includes Ghana and Uganda. The qualifying
competition will decide the 15 teams to join hosts Morocco at the African
Nations Cup finals next January and February.
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