According to a number of European media reports, on December 10, the European Football Club Association ECA sent a letter to the African Football Federation, saying that considering the current outbreak of the Aumechjong virus and the escalation of epidemic prevention measures in various countries, the Non-Football Federation has not been able to introduce corresponding policies to ensure the smooth return of players to Europe, so it will be difficult to release players to the African Cup. Subsequently, the Daily Mail and other media reported that the Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations, which was scheduled to be held in January next year, was likely not to be held as usual.
In fact, there has been controversy over the hosting of the African Cup of Nations by various professional leagues and FIFA in Europe. On December 15, the African Football Federation debunked the rumors, saying that the African Cup of Nations will still be held in Cameroon as scheduled. However, UEFA wants to put further pressure on non-FA. New York Times sports correspondent Panja said that while the African Football Federation hopes to host the African Cup of Nations normally, the European football community hopes to force the event to be cancelled.
In addition to the fact that many players who play in Europe may not be allowed to be released, the host country Cameroon also has its own problems, such as corruption problems and the slow construction of venues, which have not yet been delivered on schedule. At one point, the African Football Federation considered changing the host country of the African Cup of Nations to Egypt, but later canceled the plan.