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2021.12.23 00:51 GMT+8

CAF President in Cameroon to inspect 2021 AFCON preparedness

Updated 2021.12.23 00:51 GMT+8
CGTN

FILE PHOTO: The Africa Cup of Nations trophy pictured ahead of the draw for the 2017 AFCON qualifiers in Cairo. /Getty Images

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, is in Cameroon to inspect the country's preparedness ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Motsepe, alongside the new president of Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) Samuel Eto'o, on Wednesday toured the Olembé Stadium, which is scheduled to host the opening and final game of the continental tournament.

The CAF chief's visit comes just days afterthe organization's General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba also toured the Central African country.

The visits are a show of confidence by the continental body that the delayed tournament will be played, despite pressure some quarters to postpone it.

The 2021 AFCON came under scrutiny last week over alleged lack of health preparations.

The European Clubs Association (ECA) at the time threatened to block players from representing their countries at the tournament, with concerns over the rise in Omicron cases and travel restrictions put in place by government authorities.

CAF responded by issuing a raft of guidelines to ensure a safe tournament.

In the new directives, fans will have to show proof of full vaccination and also provide negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours before they can be allowed into stadiums.

The Cameroon showdown will be the first AFCON tournament under Motsepe's administration.

The 24 teams that are lined up for the competition have already been grouped into six pools of four teams each.

The opening game is scheduled for January 9 between the hosts and Burkina Faso.

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