Egypt to withdraw 2019 Afcon bid if Morocco files interest

The Egyptian Football Association (Efa) says they will not bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) if a fellow North African country also expresses interest to stage the tournament.

This comes after rights to host the finals slated for next June were taken away from Cameroon by Caf citing ill-preparedness in upgrading facilities. Now being touted to step in and host the tournament are Egypt, Morocco or South Africa.

Of the three, Morocco are reported to be most likely to be handed the mandate to host the 2019 finals. But Egypt FA bord member Ahmed Megahed said they will withdrew interest if a fellow Arab country throws it's hat into the ring.

“The Efa will not bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations if any fellow Arab countries do so,” Megahed was quoted as saying by Kingfut.

“Egypt are ready to step in and help if there any problems.”

Caf are expected to announce the 2019 Afcon hosts by the end of this month. Egypt have previously hosted Afcon finals in 1959,1974,1986 and 2006, winning thrice out of these four editions.

Morocco organised the tournament just once in 1988, while South Africa staged it in 1996 and 2013.

Just like the 2019 tournament, the 2013 edition in South Africa was an alternative after Libya could not host the same due to civil war.