The Confederation African Football (CAF) has rejected Morocco's plea to postpone the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) to a later date amid the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease.
CAF said in a statement released on Saturday that the tournament; billed to run from January 17 - February 8, will go on as scheduled but claims further talks will be held in November with the Morocco's football governing body's chief to explore safety options.
The Moroccan government yesterday; Friday, following a recommendation by its health ministry; "to avoid events which involve those countries affected by the Ebola virus" plead that it wants the tournament postponed until a later date.
CAF however responded saying: "CAF has registered the request and wishes to state that there are no changes of the schedules of its competitions and events," it said in a statement.
"It must be noted that since the first edition in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has never witnessed a deferral or a change in schedule.
"CAF has been cautious since the commencement of the final round qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations on the health risks posed by the Ebola virus and has consistently applied precautionary principles, taking into account the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and various medical experts.
"The request of the Moroccan government will be discussed at the next meeting of the Caf executive committee scheduled for November 2 2014.
"Subsequently, a meeting will be organised between CAF and the Moroccans in Rabat on November 3 2014 and the CAF delegation will be led by its President, Issa Hayatou."
CAF had already banned international matches in Liberia, Guinea and Ebola most affected country, Sierra Leone. Guinea will host their qualifier against Ghana in Casablanca, Morocco on Saturday
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