Algeria volunteers to be on standby for 2021

General View of the trophy during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Sep 24, 2019. 13:00

The Algerian Government has given its blessing for the organisation of the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 in case Cameroon is once again not ready to host the 24-team event.

Algerian Youth and Sports Minister Raouf Salim has repeated his claim that the Confederation of African Football has asked Algeria to be on standby to possibly host the event if Cameroon fails planned inspections of its progress.

“Yes, I repeat, Algeria was asked if it could organise the 2021 Cup of Nations. You know, CAF, or even FIFA for the World Cup, must have plans B, C or D to ward off all contingencies,” he told reporters.

“What is certain is that Algeria has the means to organise this Cup of Nations, even without waiting for the completion of the four new stadiums that are currently under construction.

“It will be an opportunity to renovate our current stadia and restore the natural grass in some venues where they play on artificial turf.”

Salim said the Algerian government had formally agreed to the possibility of hosting if asked and given a positive response to CAF through the Algerian Football Federation.

“We really want Cameroon to organise this Cup of Nations but if they cannot, Algeria will be ready. Our country is the big house of Africans. Everyone is welcome,” the minister added.