27th August, 2014
Mali is set to bid for the hosting rights of Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2017 after Libya pulled out of organising the event, the Malian football federation (Femafoot) said on Wednesday.
Libya withdrew following a meeting with Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou last week citing the unstable security situation in the country.
Libya previously had to give up the staging of the 2013 CAN because of the recent conflict in the country, with South Africa taking its place.
“We’ve received the political endorsement of the highest authorities in Mali to bid to host CAN 2017. Our country already has the infrastructure required for such an event,” said FemaFoot president Boubacar Diarra Baba.
Mali last hosted the tournament in 2002.
Ghana, who hosted the African football showpiece event in 2008, Algeria, Kenya and Tanzania have also expressed an interest in hosting the finals. The winning bid will be announced some time next year.