The 2021 edition of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations has been cancelled by the Confederation of African Football.
On Monday, the CAF Emergency Committee met in Rabat, Morocco, where it was decided that the 2021 edition of the U-17 AFCON would no longer be held due to the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant restrictions on international travel.
The decision by African football’s governing body comes less than a week before the tournament was set to commence and follows FIFA’s call to scrap the 2021 U-17 World Cup last year, with the AFCON having previously served as the qualifier for the global competition.
South Africa’s “Amajimbos” had been drawn in Group C alongside Mali, Senegal and reigning champions Cameroon.
CAF’s official statement on the cancellation of the 2021 U-17 AFCON
“The CAF Emergency Committee met on Monday, March 08, 2021 in Rabat, Morocco to decide on the holding of the 2021 U17 Total Africa Cup of Nations.
“The Committee was made aware of the constraints faced by some of the participating member associations as well as the host country including the fact that the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for the organization of international sporting events.
“Taking into account the cancellation by FIFA of the Under-17 World Cup for which the U-17 CAN was no longer qualifying, the Committee further noted:
• The resurgence of the Covid19 pandemic.
• Increased restrictions on international travel
• Uncertainty about the evolution of the situation
“For all these reasons, the Committee decided to cancel the 2021 edition of the Total U17 Africa Cup of Nations.”
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