The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has dismissed rumours that next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, could be moved away from Cameroon following the recent discovery of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. The new variant has led to travel restrictions being introduced by some countries for several African nations, with Nigeria, which neighbours Cameroon, the latest to be added to the United Kingdom UK’s red list.
In recent days, some media organisations have suggested the dates of the 24-team tournament could change or even the location be moved, possibly to Qatar. CAF’S director of communications Alex Siewe says neither his organisation nor leading Cameroon officials have discussed such events. Africa’s football showpiece, which has already been delayed because of the global pandemic, is due to kick off on January 9 in Yaounde with the final on February 6.