Morocco withdraws from hosting 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco has officially withdrawn from hosting next year's Africa Cup of Nations over fears of Ebola.

The Moroccan government last week asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament for a year or consider switching them to the 2017 tournament.

CAF refused the proposal and so Morocco officially withdrew their hosting right in order to preserve the safety of their citizens.

"Since CAF rejected all our requests and suggestions, then we would be forced to withdraw from hosting AFCON 2015, to preserve the safety of our citizens and for that we are prepared to take any consequences that comes with our actions." The Ministry of Sports said.

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Earlier this week Moroccan sports minister Mohamed Ouzzine was quoted as saying they were considering what action to take if CAF refused to grant their postponement request.

"We've arranged to meet up and discuss the technical options connected to this demand for a postponement," he said. "This demand is motivated essentially by the last report from the World Health Organisation, which contained alarming numbers at the extent and spread of the virus.

"All that means we are facing a historic responsibility. We understand CAF's difficulty, but that said, never in history has there been such an Ebola epidemic."

Morocco's withdrawal is likely to lead to sanctions, with potential punishments including the suspension of their national teams and clubs from competition.

South Africa has been tipped as a replacement host but they have made it clear they will not. The South African football boss chief Danny Jordaan said  ''AFCON 2015 will not be held here. That issue does not exist and CAF must discuss this matter with Morocco.''