Six weeks ago the notion that Egypt might host this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations had barely passed anyone’s lips. Yet Tuesday’s overwhelming decision by the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee has conferred on them that responsibility and it marks the end of a chaotic process that, quite aside from the logistical blundering that has brought about this situation, leaves the continent once again asking itself broader questions.
Egypt’s candidacy was approved by a vote of 16 to one, with one abstention, a rival South African bid having failed to get off the ground because of inadequate financial commitments. The process was hurried through after Cameroon were stripped of hosting rights on 30 November; an initial reaction is that Caf has stumbled upon the best possible sticking plaster for a bad job but there is little merit in its flair for sailing close to the wind.
Written by Nick Ames
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2019/jan/08/egypt-wins-right-clean-africa-cup-of-nations-mess-cameroon under the title “Egypt wins right to clean up another avoidable Africa Cup of Nations mess | Nick Ames”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
