Equatorial Guinea have emerged as front-runners to host the 2015 African Nations Cup finals after it was revealed that CAF president Issa Hayatou would visit the country on Friday to court president Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
But Middle East nation Qatar have stated that they are willing to step into the breach as well and should be considered a strong option for CAF, with the infrastructure in place and world-class facilities in the 2022 World Cup host country.
But first prize for CAF is to keep the competition in Africa and Hayatou will hope to persuade Equatorial Guinea to take over the hosting after Morocco withdrew due to fears over Ebola.
“Issa Hayatou is arriving here on Friday to offer the organisation of AFCON 2015 to the President of the Republic,” David Monsung Ndrung, the head of Communication for the Equatorial Guinea Football Association, said.
But the country has just two viable venues, both used when they co-hosted the 2012 finals with Gabon.
With 16 teams and four groups, it would appear four venues would be a minimum, potentially meaning CAF will be seeking a co-host, possibly Gabion again.
Qatar would be a ‘safer’ bet with just two months to the finals tournament and they have said they are willing to step in.
“If officially asked, Qatar is ready to offer any help in hosting the African Cup due to its strong relation with Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, head of the Qatar Football Association.
And for the Qataris, it would be an opportunity to dispel some of the negativity around their country following allegations of vote-rigging in their award of the 2022 World Cup.
It would also give the FIFA the chance to test their theory that a World Cup held between November and March would be the right time for the 2022 finals.
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