Egypt have denied rumours suggesting they made an official bid to host the 2017 African Nations Cup finals – but said it was still a "possibility."

Libya have been removed as hosts of the prestigious tournament as ongoing fighting in the country delays plans to build new stadiums for the 16-team tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has invited new bidders for the tournament, it said on its Twitter account on Saturday.

Countries wishing to host the tournament have until 30 September to send in expressions of interest, the CAF added.

"Egypt didn't made an official bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations," Egyptian Football Association (EFA) board member Ehab Lehita declared on Monday.

"We discussed the matter during the EFA board meeting, but of course there must be governmental arrangements before taking an important decision like this.

"Making the bid could still a possibility for Egypt," he concluded.

Libya has endured weeks of recent chaos as the government struggles to control former rebel fractions that helped topple former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The North African country was originally scheduled to hold the Nations Cup in 2013 but because of the civil war swapped with 2017 hosts South Africa.

CAF are due to decide the host countries for the 2019 and 2021 Nations Cup finals at a meeting in Addis Ababa on 20 September.

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