Omicron: CAF dispels rumours of moving Nations Cup from Cameroon

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dispelled rumours of moving the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) away from Cameroon over the recent discovery of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.

CAF director of communications, Alex Siewe says neither his organisation nor leading Cameroon officials have discussed such events.

“We can’t keep spending time dealing with rumours,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“We did not receive any other message or information from our leaders – nothing such as changing of dates or countries. We did not discuss such during all our last meetings.”

“We are on site. We are working.”

The new variant has led to travel restrictions being introduced by some countries for several African nations.

Nigeria, and its neighbour, Cameroon, are the latest to be added to the United Kingdom’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.

Africa’s football showpiece, which has already been delayed because of the global pandemic, is due to kick off on 9 January in Yaounde with the final on 6 February.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook