Cairo withdraws from hosting Olympic event

17 Oct, 2011

The Egyptian Football Association has pulled out of hosting the African men's football Olympic qualifying tournament which was due to be held in Cairo from 26 November to 10 December.

Egypt told the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that its decision was due to the upcoming parliamentary elections on 28 November.

Egypt was drawn against South Africa, Gabon and the Ivory Coast in Group B, while Group A comprises Morocco, Senegal, Algeria and Nigeria. The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals, with the winning sides participating in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

CAF is yet to announce the new hosts of the championship, although Algeria and Nigeria are being touted as contenders.