African Nations Cup trophy (Photos: Reuters)
Egypt has withdrawn its application to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations over Ebola fears.
Early this month, current hosts Morocco said they wanted the tournament to be postponed because of Ebola, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) insisted it should be held as planned from 17 January to 8 February.
Countries including Egypt, Ghana and South Africa reportedly expressed an interest in holding the tournament if Morocco withdraws.
On Monday, Egypt's sports ministry withdrew their interest in holding the tournament.
"After discussing the issue, Egypt will not ask to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations that is scheduled to be played in Morocco from 17 January to 8 February," read a statement released by the sports ministry on Monday.
The Confederation of African Football has canceled all football in the three countries most affected by Ebola - Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone - until further notice, but says it is following the advice of the World Health Organisation that travel bans will not help curtail the outbreak.
However, the request of countries wanting to host the tournament will be discussed at the next meeting of the CAF Executive Committee scheduled for 2 November in Algiers, on the sidelines of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.
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