The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially confirmed ‘significant delay’ in preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon mid next year.
In a communiqué released at the ongoing general assembly of CAF in Cairo, Egypt, the body noted that important deadlines have not been met by the Local Organising Committee in Cameroon.
“The final decision will be made at the end of November after the last inspection visit of audit firm Roland Berger and CAF to Cameroon,” the statement said.
“The report of the last inspection visit noted some progress but the video showed a significant delay in infrastructure.
“A joint CAF and FIFA commission is due to visit Cameroon in October to look at security issues.”
CAF president Ahmad Ahmad said on Friday that the decision on whether Cameroon would be maintained or not as host of the 2019 AFCON would be made know after October 7.
“CAF will not make any communication regarding the decision that will be taken before the Cameroonian presidential election of October 7. We do not want to disrupt the campaign,” Ahmad said.
Morocco has stated its intention to step in if Cameroon is stripped of the right to host the event. However, Ahmad claims other countries like South Africa and Egypt could be considered as well.
Participating teams of the AFCON have been increased from 16 to 24.
