The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for 2022 could be cancelled ahead of the tournament in January, MySportDab reports.
Despite reports of a possible cancellation, AFCON organisers are confident that the tournament will still be played.
The rapid spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant could affect the tournament.
According to RMC Sport, The Central African Federation (CAF) may be forced to cancel the tournament, which was scheduled to be played in Cameroon.
The AFCON was due to start on January 9 and end on February 6.
However, the organisers are confident that the AFCON will still take place.
There are only a few weeks left before the first match, which means that some Premier League players will leave their clubs during the current season.
But, there is still confusion about the Covid-19 situation and pressure is now building for a drastic U-turn decision on the tournament.
AFCON’s organising committee met with CAF in October to reveal their findings in a preparation report for the tournament.
The committee made it clear that ‘urgent attention’ was needed for the competition to still take place.
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba is currently in Cameroon and has joined the team to work with the Cameroon government.
Yesterday, he held talks meetings with the Cameroon Minister of Sport and the Minister of Public Health.
‘The meetings helps us to get a level of understanding about readiness in Cameroon,’ Mosengo-Omba said.
‘There is so much work that is being done. We must continue with the same momentum and work around the clock.
‘I won’t rest, the LOC can’t rest. CAF can’t rest. Everyone put join the efforts together. We want to see the best Africa Cup of Nations here in Cameroon in January next year.
‘We also discussed with the Minister of Sport about all the pending issues and the way forward.’
The fresh doubts about the tournament would be welcome news for Premier League clubs like Liverpool.
Liverpool will lose key attacking duo Salah and Mane should the tournament take place.
Chelsea are expected to lose their Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be without Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.
Watford could lose five key players due to the tournament like Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Denni.
However, Leicester City will miss out on four players such as with Nigerian duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfried N’Didi.
