Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations because of its
fears over the Ebola outbreak elsewhere on the continent, the
Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed.
Caf expelled Morocco,
who would have qualified as hosts, from the finals.
It did not announce a new venue for the tournament, due to take place from 17 January to 8 February.
But BBC Sport understands three nations have expressed an interest and the new host will be confirmed on Wednesday.
Morocco had been given until Saturday to make a final decision on whether or not it would host the tournament.
It had asked to
postpone the competition until 2016.
Egypt has stated it will not host the tournament for
"economic and political reasons", while 2013 and 2008 hosts South Africa
and Ghana have also ruled themselves out of contention.
Gabon, who co-hosted in 2012 with Equatorial Guinea, has been mentioned, but they only have two stadiums available.
Angola hosted in 2010 and have the stadia and the financial ability to host at short notice.
Tunisia hosted in 2004 and has the venues, but recent political turmoil and violence at football matches might count them out.
Algeria is one of seven nations who have said they want to
host the 2017 tournament and are the only ones who might be in a
position to host earlier.
Nigeria has the stadia after hosting the under-17 World Cup
in 2009 and a brand new facility in Akwa-Ibom state. But presidential
elections are set for a week after the tournament.
Qualification matches for the tournament will continue
as planned on 14 and 15 November to decide which 15 teams will join the
new host country for the finals.
Morocco had expressed fears an influx of foreign fans could help spread the epidemic.
The North African country is scheduled to host
Fifa's Club World Cup
next month, featuring Champions League winners Real Madrid.
It said it was willing to continue with its hosting
duties for that tournament because it did not expect many supporters to
travel from Ebola-affected regions.
The two African teams playing in the Club World Cup are from Morocco and Algeria.
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