African Cup of Nations postponed to 2022


African Cup of Nations postponed to 2022

Cameroon celebrating winning 2017 Africa Cup of Nations cropped scaled

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations was to be held in the January of 2021. Due to the spread of COVID-19 – a worldwide pandemic which postponed the tournament to the year 2022.

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African Football (CAF) decided on Tuesday as the COVID-19 health crisis has suspended football across most of the continent since March said CAF president Ahmad Ahmad.

The African Cup of Nations was due to be held from 9th of January to 6th of February next year but will now be scheduled for January 2022.  The 2022 African Cup of Nations would take place in Cameroon.

“This decision was taken due to the uncertainties about the coronavirus health situation and especially because of the scheduling problems since four rounds of qualifiers would need to be fitted into the October and November windows for international matches,” said Ahmad.

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“The CAF Executive Committee is satisfied with the Cameroonian authorities for their commitment towards the hosting of the two competitions. Cameroon is ready to host either competition and are within schedule.” – he added.

The 2020 African Women’s Cup of Nations has been cancelled. CAF said it would launch a Women’s Champions League in 2021.

The 2020 CAF Awards were also cancelled due to the pandemic. Beach soccer Africa Cup of Nations that was about to be held in Uganda was also called off.

“A meeting with the Organising Competitions for Youth Football and the Zonal Unions has been proposed to finalize the arrangements for the zonal qualifiers,” in a statement by CAF.

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“Meanwhile, the U-17 Afcon will take place in July 2021.

“Following the withdrawal of Uganda [as Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 2020 hosts], a new hosting bid will be launched for the organization of the final tournament either in 2020 or 2021.” – statement by CAF.

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