Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Ahmad has assured Cote d’Ivoire that the organization will “accompany” them to ensure they successfully host 2021 African Cup of Nations.
In a statement from a meeting with the Head of State Alassane Quattara Monday, Ahmad further added that neither him nor CAF have intentions of moving the tournament from the country.
The Madagascan thanked the president for having set up this year the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
“That shows the commitment and willingness of the state of Cote d’Ivoire to make every effort for the event to be a success,” CAF’s statement reads.
Cote d’Ivoire will host the biennial continental football extravaganza in 2021 after Cameroon 2019 edition.
The Cameroon showpiece’s fate however hangs in the balance over fears that the country may not meet CAF deadlines for staging a successful tournament.
Ahmad has made it known that they will not hesitate to strip Cameroon off the hosting rights if they cannot prove visible progress towards getting ready in time to host the premium event.
“If the host country is not ready, we will find another country to host the event,” Ahmad said in Cote d’Ivoire Monday.
He added: “We will not negotiate anything as the country will have to work to convince us of their capacity to host the event.”
Grapevine is rife that the rights could be handed to Morocco if Cameroon fails the readiness test.
Morocco will be staging the 2018 CHAN early next year after the initial host nation Kenya was stripped off the rights for failing to meet CAF deadlines.
