(Getty Images)
The Associated Press
August 28, 2014
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia will bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations after Libya pulled out citing security concerns, the president of the national football federation said, a tough task for a country with only basic sports infrastructure.
There is government backing for the bid, Ethiopia football federation president Junedin Basha said.
“We are both willing and able to host the games,” Junedin said, adding new facilities are being planned and built across the country. “We see no problem in hosting.”
Ethiopia will lodge its bid with the Confederation of African Football by the end of the week, Junedin said.
CAF is racing to find a new venue after Libya’s withdrawal and has given countries until the end of September to register bids. Countries normally have four years to prepare for the African Cup but the winning bid will have just over two to prepare for 2017.
Ghana and Kenya have also shown interest in bidding.
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Related:
Ethiopia, Kenya & Ghana Bid to Host 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (BBC News)
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