Africa Cup of Nations to be cancelled?

The 2022 edition of the African Cup of Nations is set to take place next month.

The competition will begin on the 9th of January and conclude on the 6th of February.

The competition will be hosted in Cameroon and the teams will compete in six venues across five cities.

But, like any international football since 2020, the African Cup of Nations, of course, brings up the fear of players catching Covid-19 due to the extra travel they have to undertake, and then being unable to take part in games for their club or, worst still, suffer badly from the illness.

So, as covid cases rise and football matches begin to be postponed for player safety/ a lack of eligible players, talk of the African Cup of Nations being postponed is not that surprising.

As reported by RMC Sport:

According to our information, the African Football Confederation (CAF) could announce a cancellation of the 2022 edition in Cameroon. The reflection is in any case engaged.

The report adds that:

Beyond the organizational difficulties linked to Covid-19 and its new variant Omicron, CAF is faced with the discontent of certain clubs, mainly English, who would like to be able to keep the players on British soil in the coming weeks.


Chelsea & Liverpool boost?

Though it would be a shame to see the competition called off, it would likely be a big boost to several Premier League sides.

The most notable being Premier League title chasers, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Liverpool are currently set to lose two-thirds of their attack in January when Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah leave, as well as be one man light in defence if Joel Matip leaves.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are currently set to lose their no.1 shot-stopper Edouard Mendy and face the prospect of having to use Kepa Arrizabalaga as their main keeper for a month.

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