AFCON 2019: CAF Expected in Cameroon Next Month for Third Inspection Tour

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to be in Cameroon next month for another inspection mission of the facilities to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The third visit will run from 7 -14 August 2018 following the second visit that was carried out earlier this year.

Sources close to the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) indicate that the inspection team will arrive in the country on 6^th August though an itinerary of events has not been released.

However, the delegation will be made up of 10 members of the CAF executive committee and other individuals from business management consultancy Roland Berger.

Their objectives will be to see the level at which developments are ahead of the upcoming continent’s most prestigious football showcase.

During their second visit carried out in March this year, the delegation inspected various facilities in Garoua, Bafoussam, Douala, Limbe and Buea.

Before leaving Yaounde, the CAF delegation met the Minister of Sports and Physical Education Bidoung Mkpatt, who took the opportunity to reiterate Cameroon’s determination to implement the recommendations of the first inspection mission of CAF.

No public declaration was made after by the delegation on Cameroon’s readiness to host the football jamboree.

The growth of the tournament, set to be held from June to July 2019 after CAF switched it from January and February, by eight teams has increased fears surrounding the suitability of Cameroon as hosts.

It remains a possibility Cameroon may be stripped of the hosting rights, with the outcome of the inspection set to be crucial in deciding whether it remains there or is moved elsewhere.

Cameroon has won the Nations Cup five times, four more than it has hosted the event – with its sole staging coming back in 1972, when Congo took the title.