Kenya has been stripped off the CHAN 2018 hosting rights by the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee currently meeting in Accra, Ghana.
The tough call was made by the CAF’s top decision making organ after a report by an inspection mission which visited Kenya this month returned a not ready verdict.
Unstable political situation in the country following the Supreme Court of Kenya annulment of the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta on 1st September was also put into consideration while making the decision.
Kenya was officially handed the mantle to stage the tournament in 2016 after the Rwanda’s edition following a successful bid.
But three months to the continental showpiece played strictly by home-based professionals, the stadiums that were earmarked to host the matches are way behind schedule in terms of renovation.
The Ministry of Sports this week approved Kshs 4.2 billion to aid in the work but it was a little too late in the day.
CAF will open fresh bid for new hosts, who must have ready infrastructure and can deliver a successful tournament in three months.
In 1996, Kenya lost a golden opportunity to stage the African Cup of Nations under similar circumstances. The championship was relocated to South Africa, who went ahead to win it – beating Tunisia in the final.
Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa had pledged to resign if the CHAN hosting rights are taken away insisting that Kenya would be ready. It will remain to be seen if he will make true his promise.
