The 2021 edition of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place from 13 March 2021 to 31 March 2021 in Morocco has been cancelled following a decision by CAF Emergency Committee on Monday.
The tournament which was initially set to be held in Mauritania was later given to Morocco although the latter went ahead to host the U20 tournament earlier this year.
The Council Bureau of World Football governing body (FIFA), last year, announced the cancellation of both junior tournaments which were to be held in Peru and Indonesia citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) insisted on hosting its junior championships this year to help in the development of youth football.
A statement on CAF website read;
“The CAF Emergency Committee met on Monday, March 08, 2021 in Rabat, Morocco to decide on the holding of the Africa Cup of Nations U17 Total 2021”
“He became aware of the constraints faced by some of the participating member associations as well as the host country. As a result, the coronavirus pandemic continues to present significant challenges for the organization of international sporting events”.
“Taking into account FIFA’s cancellation of the U17 World Cup of which the CAN U-17 was no longer qualifying, the committee further found:
. Resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic
. Increasing restrictions on international travel
. Uncertainty about the development of the situation
For all these reasons, the Committee decides to cancel the 2021 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations U17 Total”.
The competition was set to be held in the cities of Rabat, Mohammedia and Casablanca.
