Morocco has confirmed it will not hold the African Cup of Nations 2015 tournament due to the risk of the Ebola virus.
The Morocco sports ministry finally rejected an ultimatum to go ahead with the event by the Confederation of African Football which had refused to postpone the tournament.
The CAF had already approached potential alternative hosts for AFCON 2015 but with the first game due to kick-off January 17, time is running out fast to make the necessary preparations.
African football’s governing body is meeting in Egypt on Tuesday and will then issue a statement on whether to cancel or postpone the tournament or announce a new host nation.
"This decision is motivated mainly by the medical risks that would put this virus on the health of our fellow Africans, and also motivated by humanitarian reasons since it is our responsibility to welcome all our guests and supporters in the best conditions," a Moroccan government statement said.
The North African nation is concerned that West African supporters could bring the virus with them, which if it was to spread would decimate its tourist industry.
