Cameroon have been stripped of the hosting rights of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision was taken by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) at its Executive Committee meeting in Accra on Friday.
Decision as to who replace Cameroon was not taken.
The meeting rather promised to give further information later.
Today, the @CAF_Online Executive Committee met in Accra, Ghana and has decided that @FecafootOfficie could not host the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations – Further information will follow soon at: https://t.co/9LkqZloPx3 pic.twitter.com/hV93vH2R0h
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 30, 2018
CAF had considered relieving Cameroon of the hosting rights last year but pulled the breaks, warning the country to double up efforts on preparations.
CAF President Ahmad Ahmad warned authorities in the central African nation of the likelihood of the hosting rights being handed to another nation, Morocco most likely.
Though the tournament is scheduled to be held in June/July, its expansion from 16 teams to 24 means more facilities would have to be made available by the host nation.
Aside delays as per reports of inspection teams within the last 18 months, security in the country is said to be at high risk.
A report by Caf’s Security Inspection Team became the cul-de-grace for Cameroon, whose national team Indomitable Lions would have been defending the trophy in front of home fans.
On Friday, the dreaded decision to strip the nation of the rights was announced.
A statement later released by the continent’s football governing body said “an open and urgent call” for new host country bids will be initiated for the tournament to be held as scheduled.
“CAF will ensure that a new host is in place by 31st December, 2018, and it will communicate openly and transparently on the process and subsequent decision.”
Qualifiers for the tournament are ongoing with the final series scheduled for March, 2019.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana