Audio By Carbonatix
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has ruled itself out of the bidding process to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, saying it "will not compete with another Arabic country."
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is looking for new hosts after its executive committee voted unanimously on Friday to strip Cameroon of hosting rights.
"After an EFA meeting on Tuesday, we decided we will not make a bid for the next Afcon," EFA board member and spokesman Ahmed Megahed said.
"We will not compete with another Arabic country - this is an official decision," Megahed told local media outside the EFA headquarters in Cairo.
BBC Sport understands Morocco - having stepped in to hold this year's African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Kenya were deemed not ready - and South Africa are under consideration as replacement hosts.
Egypt last hosted an Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 when the Pharaohs won the trophy.
Caf said it would "initiate an open and urgent call for new host country bids to ensure Afcon 2019 takes place next summer" and would "ensure that a new host is in place by 31st December 2018."
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) is looking for new hosts after its executive committee voted unanimously on Friday to strip Cameroon of hosting rights.
"After an EFA meeting on Tuesday, we decided we will not make a bid for the next Afcon," EFA board member and spokesman Ahmed Megahed said.
"We will not compete with another Arabic country - this is an official decision," Megahed told local media outside the EFA headquarters in Cairo.
BBC Sport understands Morocco - having stepped in to hold this year's African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Kenya were deemed not ready - and South Africa are under consideration as replacement hosts.
Egypt last hosted an Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 when the Pharaohs won the trophy.
Caf said it would "initiate an open and urgent call for new host country bids to ensure Afcon 2019 takes place next summer" and would "ensure that a new host is in place by 31st December 2018."
Latest Stories
-
Alhassan Suhuyini makes Christmas donations to churches within Tamale North Constituency
1 hour -
Meet 81-year-old father of UCC Acting Vice-Chancellor, who recently graduated with an MBA
1 hour -
Did you know that Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, is the ‘Ken Ofori-Atta of Afghanistan? – Kay Codjoe writes
2 hours -
Kidnap suspect arrested in Tamale as Police rescue victim after four days
2 hours -
Tema Oil Refinery resumes crude refining after years of shutdown
2 hours -
Kojo Antwi thrills fans with regal entry, marathon performance at ‘Antwified’ concert
2 hours -
Ofori Amponsah surprises KiDi at ‘Likor On The Beach’ 2025
3 hours -
Joy FM thanks sponsors, partners and patrons after spectacular 2025 Family Party-in-the-Park
3 hours -
‘Christmas babies’ and their mothers in Volta and Oti regions receive MTN hampers
3 hours -
One dead, another injured after accident at Atwedie
3 hours -
Maggi Waakye Summit draws thousands as Ghana’s biggest waakye festival returns
4 hours -
Western Regional Minister urges Ghanaians to use Christmas to deepen national cohesion  Â
5 hours -
Thousands turn Aburi Gardens into a festive paradise at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
5 hours -
Source of GOLDBOD’s trading funds questioned amid reported $214m loss
5 hours -
Kind Hearted Beings Charity spreads joy during festive season
5 hours
