The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that Cameroon will retain their hosting rights for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Central African nation’s readiness to host the continent’s premier competition has come under question following the slow pace of work.
Morocco was reportedly placed on standby as a backup.
After a meeting with the country’s president, Paul Biya, on Tuesday, CAF has reassured of the nation’s aptness for the showpiece.
According to CAF official website, boss, Mr Ahmad Ahmad debunked rumours that the body would withdraw the hosting rights from Cameroon.
He said CAF has never envisaged such a scenario, that the host country has the final verdict.
The statement read: “Thus, the meeting with the Head of State was an opportunity to extinguish doubts raised by ill-intentioned individuals in Cameroon and abroad.
“Mr Ahmad explained that the continental body was satisfied with the Government’s outright willingness to develop football infrastructure before the start of the competition.
“The Head of State’s request for Cameroon to gain full ownership of the CAF Excellence Centre in Mbankomo was accepted. Thus, an agreement will be signed for the transfer of ownership to Cameroon’s newly-created Football Academy (ANAFOOT).”
CAF’s President was accompanied by his vice – Mr Constant Omari Selemani, Cameroon’s football icon – Samuel Eto’o Fils, and the President of the Normalisation Commission of FECAFOOT – Barrister Dieudonne Happi.
