Poor preparation may deny cameroon of 2019 african cup of nations hosting right
A very timely and relevant topic!
Indeed, poor preparation has been a major concern for Cameroon's hosting of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The country was initially awarded the hosting rights in 2014, but since then, there have been numerous delays and setbacks in the preparation process.
Some of the issues that have raised concerns include:
- Infrastructure: Many of the stadiums and infrastructure projects have been delayed or are still under construction. For example, the 50,000-seat Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, which was supposed to be completed in 2018, is still not ready.
- Security: There have been concerns about the ability of the Cameroonian authorities to provide adequate security for the tournament, given the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions of the country.
- Accommodation: There have been reports of a shortage of hotel rooms and other accommodation facilities in the host cities, which could lead to difficulties for teams and officials.
- Transportation: The country's transportation infrastructure is also a concern, with many roads and highways in need of repair or upgrading.
These issues have led to fears that Cameroon may not be ready to host the tournament, which could result in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripping the country of its hosting rights. In fact, there have been reports that CAF is considering alternative hosts, such as Egypt or South Africa, if Cameroon is unable to meet the necessary requirements.
It's worth noting that Cameroon has a history of hosting international events, including the 1972 and 2000 AFCON tournaments. However, the country's preparation for the 2019 AFCON has been marred by delays and controversies, which have raised concerns about its ability to host a successful tournament.
Ultimately, the success of the 2019 AFCON will depend on Cameroon's ability to overcome these challenges and deliver a well-organized and safe tournament.