South Africa Replaces Libya as 2013 ACON Host

South Africa will replace Libya as host of the 2013 African Cup of Nations, the Conferation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.

The news is a boost to the South African Football Association (SAFA), which came under fire from CAF General Secretary Hicham El Amrani after recently announcing it would host the tournament.

SAFA recently revealed it had agreed with the Libyan Football Association to switch hosting rights for the 2013 and 2017 tournaments.

Concern about the security situation in Libya caused African football officials to reconsider the country’s status as the 2013 competition host. However, Libya is now scheduled to host the 2017 edition of the tournament.

South Africa was awarded hosting of the 2013 Cup of Nations ahead of rivals bids from Algeria and Nigeria. South Africa, host of the 2010 World Cup, has also been awarded Libya’s hosting of the 2014 African Nations Championship- a tournament for locally-based footballers.

A CAF statement said: “The Executive Committee…decided on the swapping between Libya and South Africa for 2013 and 2017 respectively, considering the current political situation prevailing in Libya.”

“This means that South Africa will host 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and Libya, 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.”

South Africa’s hosting of the 2013 ACON will help dispel the view that some of the South Africa 2010 World Cup stadiums have become ‘White Elephants’

SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani said: “The Nations Cup presents them with a great opportunity. They will be better utilised for the better use of the game itself and [illustrate] that taxpayers’ money has been well-invested.”