COVID-19: CAF postpones 2021 AFCON by a year

The executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) by a year.

The postponement was announced on Tuesday after a video-conference by the committee to discuss the future of competitions and other related issues in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation, the tournament has been rescheduled for January 2022,” CAF said in a statement.

“The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”

The 33rd edition of the African showpiece was initially scheduled to hold in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6 2021.

The continent’s football body also rescheduled the finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020, which was originally slated for April to January 2021, also in Cameroon.

“The CAF Executive Committee is satisfied with t the Cameroonian authorities for their commitment towards the hosting of the two competitions. Cameroon is ready to host either competition and are within schedule,” said Ahmad Ahmad, CAF president.

CAF also cancelled this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nation (AWCON).

“The Total CAF Champions League and Total CAF Confederation Cup, will resume in September with a Final Four (4) format. Semi-Final matches will be played in a single match,” the statement added.

“Due to challenging conditions, the 2020 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been cancelled.

“The 42nd CAF Ordinary General Assembly has been rescheduled for December 2020 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“CAF has allocated an additional USD 16.2 Million to assist Member Associations to mitigate challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Member Associations will be entitled to USD 300,000.”