CAIRO: The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will be switched back to January and February in Cameroon to avoid a clash with FIFA’s new Club World Cup.

The tournament had been scheduled for June and July, like the 2019 tournament in Egypt after the African confederation CAF decided to fall in line with other major international events.

The change will renew the disruption which has always upset European clubs.

Following a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the Confederation of African Football (Caf), including president Ahmad, the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) tweeted: “It [2021 Africa Cup of Nations] will be played in Cameroon from 9 January to 6 February, 2021. Date changed for weather reasons at Cameroon’s request.”

CAF’s deputy general secretary Tony Baffoe said: “We have reviewed the period of the competition as requested by the Cameroonian party due to unfavourable climatic conditions during the period initially slated.

“After listening to the various arguments and viewpoints – and in particular from the Cameroonian meteorological authorities, the coaches and players – the representatives of the Afcon organising committee, which received the mandate from Caf Executive Committee to take the decision, has granted this request.

“A detailed reported shall be presented to the members of the Executive Committee during its next session on 6 February.”

Cameroon had been scheduled to host the 2019 Cup of Nations but was dropped in November 2018 because of delays in preparations. A month later, Cameron was awarded 2021.

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