Paris – Morocco’s request to postpone the 2015 African Cup of Nations is “reasonable,” said Jean-François Delfraissy, Director of the French Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Institute, adding that the competition should not be held in 2015.
The transmission risk of the Ebola virus is real, Delfraissy told the French daily Aujourd’hui en France, adding that he understands Morocco’s request of a postponement of the African tournament.
“As far as public health is concerned, Morocco’s position is reasonable”, the French health expert pointed out, noting that the Kingdom’s proximity to the countries affected by the deadly virus is an additional risk factor.
Mass gatherings of people from different countries increases the risk of the spread of Ebola from infected people during the silent incubation period, he explained, noting that an international football competition is synonymous with teams and delegations movement, not to mention the flow of supporters.
“I believe this competition should not take place in 2015,” he made it clear.
The Executive Committee of African Confederation of Football (CAF) decided that Morocco will not host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations following the Kingdom’s request of a delay because of fears over the Ebola outbreak.
CAF also expelled the Morocco’s national football team from the tournament.
