Continent's Focus Shifts to Bamako but Two Other Venues Were Needed
January 19,2002 7 SELECTION STEPS Bidding for cup is a straight forward process Bidding for the Africa Nations Cup is a straight forward process with any coun try feeling capable free to collect the B necessary papers, fill them and return them to CAF. The bid papers have detailed information on what is required to host the 16-nation tournament. There is a formal list of requirements in a guide line which describes in detail the facilities to be provided for players, spectators, officials and the media. This is followed by the inspection of the facili ties and a favourable report clears a country to start preparations. Bidding is usually made more than four years in advance to give sufficient time for the candidates to meet the requirements and more importantly, to drum up government sup port. Well developed stadiums, hotels, dressing rooms, press galleries, practice pitches, communi cation and flight connections are some of the requirements. Not so many countries are keen to host the African version of the World Cup. The govern ment's finances and patience is always stretched to breaking point because of the enormous invest ment that is required to refurbish its facilities. Fears of the cost of hosting the tournament Photos/File blocks many prospective candidates. Sometimes, Above: Nigerian fans celebrate during the last Nations Cup held in Nigeria and Ghana in 2000. Cameroon won the tournament. Left: Gha heavy investments are made without seeing a na's Sammy Kuffour (centre) is consoled by team-mate Charles Akonnor and South Africa's Pierre lssa after South Africa bundled Ghana financial return or the joy of winning the trophy Malawi and Zambia were scheduled to host the out of the 2000 Nations Cup.
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