Africa Cup of Nations due to begin in January as planned

CREDITS: SKYSPORTS

The Africa Cup of Nations will take place early next year as planned despite concerns over the ongoing threat of the Ebola virus.

Hosts Morocco had asked for the tournament to be moved to a later date due to concerns an influx of thousands of supporters into the area could spread the virus which has killed almost 5,000 people in West Africa.

But following a meeting with Moroccan officials, Confederation of African Football (CAF) media director Junior Binyam confirmed the event is still scheduled to take place as planned from January 17 to February 8.

"CAF confirms the dates of the tournament," said Binyam, adding that a second meeting has been scheduled for November 11 in CAF's Cairo headquarters to 'take the necessary decisions'.

"Any change of dates would be to the detriment of the CAF calendar, which must follow FIFA's international calendar.”

Morocco now have until November 8 to officially respond to CAF, according to Moroccan Football Federation spokesman Mohamed Makrouf. ...SkySports