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26.10.2014 Cup of Nations

African players against AFCON taking place because of Ebola, others want CAF decision

By ghanasoccernet.com
African players against AFCON taking place because of Ebola, others want CAF decision
26.10.2014 LISTEN

Cameroon star Alex Song and Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama are among a growing number of top African footballers calling for next year's Africa Cup of Nations to be scrapped due to the threat of the deadly Ebola epidemic spreading.

Despite these doubts by some of the players, other like AC Milan's Ghanaian star Michael Essien says African's governing body must be allowed to examine the situation before taking a firm decision on the event taking place.

The biannual tournament is also struggling to confirm the host of the tournament which starts in three months' time after Morocco threatened to pull out over concerns of the virus spreading.

Song, who plays in the English top-flight, is backing calls for this year's  Africa Cup of Nations  to be scrapped in the wake of the deadly Ebola outbreak.

“If calling it off is the way to stop the spread of the virus then we have to do it. When you watch the TV you don't know where it is going next,” Song told  The Mirror .

“We have a lot of African players here in the UK and around in the world, if we can find a solution together to help the people we have to do it. You can't go somewhere and put your life and the lives of all the people coming in at risk.

“I am worried because I have a lot of friends in the affected regions. Some people say, 'It's only in Guinea, it's not going to come to  Cameroon ' but the truth is that people don't have any information because the information does not go everywhere. So something has to be done to help.”

Enyeama, the Nigeria captain, also thinks that the tournament must be halted for next year to ensure that Ebola doesn't spread.

“I really wish it doesn't happen with all the people that will be moving around,” Daily Mail quoted the 32-year-old Lille keeper as saying after his club side drew 0-0 with Everton in the Europa League on Thursday.

Enyeama confirmed that he was fearful of the spread of the Ebola virus.

“It's risky for everyone because you go to Africa and then everyone is hugging you and shaking you, and what can you do? You're at risk,” he said.

However, Enyeama agrees with Ghana international Essien that CAF must be allowed to examine the situation before taking a decision on the tournament taking place in January.

“But I'm not CAF. I'm not the one who calls the shots,” Enyeama said.

“But if it happens I will play, if we qualify.”
Nigeria are currently third in Group A in the qualifying series for the 2015 AFCON with only the top two and the best third-placed teams advancing to the tournament proper.

Morocco had asked CAF to shift the tournament scheduled to be played in the Northern African country between January 17 and February due to fear of Ebola, which has claimed many lives in West Africa, but the continental body is insistent on going ahead with the biennial event.

CAF has already approached seven countries, including South Africa and Ghana to host the championship should Morocco withdraw, but none has agreed so far.

However, Moroccan officials are set to meet with the body on November 3 to discuss their request to postpone the tournament.

The Ebola virus has killed more than 4,500 people since the outbreak in West Africa.

Do you think AFCON should take place next year? Do you think it should be scrapped? Do you think European clubs who are against AFCON taking place are taking advantage of the Ebola situation? Make your views known in the box below:

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