Gabon to host AFCON despite riots – CAF

The African Cup of Nations continental football finals will go ahead as scheduled in Gabon despite the wave of riots following President Ali Bongo’s re-election, African football authorities confirmed on Thursday.


“There will be no change, we are following proceedings closely,” African football confederation media spokesman Junior Binyam told AFP.

The 16-nation bi-annual finals are scheduled to take place between January 14 and February 5 in Gabon after original hosts Libya were stripped of the competition due to their ongoing civil conflict.

“As things stand the schedule is being maintained,” Binyam insisted. “The draw for the finals will take place at Libreville (on) October 19 as scheduled.”

However, he warned things could change.

“The situation will be debated and evaluated at the annual CAF meetings (in Cairo) between September 21 to 27,” he explained.

When asked if the finals could possibly be moved in the case of escalated violence, Binyam said, “The time has not yet come to discuss that.”