South African Football Association (SAFA) has set the record straight regarding the hosting of CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015 Tournament.
“CAF has to meet on November 3 with Morocca and will then decide whether they will move the dates, as requested by Morocca or ask the seven countries which they identify to host 2015 AFCON,” said Dr Danny Jordaan.
Addressing a press conference at SAFA House earlier on Friday October 17, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said Morocco were still the official hosts of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, due to the Ebola virus, which is ravaging the African continent, Morocco has requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament from January/February to a later date.
“So the issue being raised whether South Africa is the Plan B is neither here nor there, because Morocco are the official hosts of AFCON 2015. That talk of us being Plan B is unfair,” said Dr Jordaan, adding that CAF had sounded South Africa together with six other African countries whether they would come in should Morocco pull out.
“CAF will be meeting with Morocco next month ( November 3) to find the way forward. And with regards to the Ebola virus, we must all take care of this pandemic and put strict measures in place. That is what every country must do, it is a deadly disease which must be fought collectively,” added Dr Jordaan.
At the same press conference, the SAFA President revealed that the u.20 national team has been invited to Russia to take part in a tournament, which will run from January 15 to 26 next year.
“SAFA has accepted the invite as it will give our boys, Amajita, some worthwhile exercise ahead of the CAF African Youth Championships, scheduled for Senegal next year,” he said.
Dr Jordaan added SAFA has written a letter to FIFA chief investigator Michael Garcia regarding the Match Fixing matter.
“We have asked him to keep us up to speed with the progress of the investigation as we think the matter has dragged on for long. We want the matter concluded as soon as possible,” said Dr Jordaan.
He said a delegation will be put in place to travel and meet with Garcia soon to discuss the issue.
