Cameroon has pulled out of hosting the 2020 CAF Champions League semi-finals and final ties, ChimpReports understands.
The government of Cameroon on Monday this week told the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that the country would not be fit to host the matches due a recent spike in number of Coronavirus cases.
Initially, the CAF Champions League final was slated for May but was later postponed following the outbreak of the pandemic.
The president of Cameroon’s Football Association (FECAFOOT) Mbombo Njoya confirmed the development.
“I have informed CAF that the government has not accepted to host the semi-final and the final of the Champions League because of the evolution of the pandemic of COVID-19. I have to recognize that it is a very reasonable decision that the government has taken. I approve it 100 per cent because health is something which matters and you don’t play with that,”Njoya said
Stalled construction of the newly built world class Japoma stadium in the Cameroonian seaside town of Douala, is said to have played a big part the the country’s decision to pull out. The stadium was the selected venue for the event.
Reliable sources reveal that Egypt and Tunisia have tabled bids to host the engagements after this latest development.
However, other reports indicate that the rest of the competition could take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The CAF Champions League semi-final menu will see Egyptian Al Ahly face Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca while Zamalek tussles with Raja Casablanca.
Elsewhere, the CAF Confederation Cup pits RS Berkane against fellow Moroccans Hassania Agadir while Egyptian Pyramids SC plays against Guinea’s Horoya.
The CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup semifinals and final engagements will take place in September.