Libya Swaps Africa Cup Hosting with South Africa

Policemen in front of the Super-Stadium in Atteridgesville near Pretoria, South Africa, 07 June 2010. EPA/BGNES

The football federations of Libya and South Africa have agreed to swap the rights for the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, amidst continuing fighting in Libya between the rebels and the Gaddafi regime.

Libya was due to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 but the six-month civil war in the North African country has cast serious doubts over its ability to do so.

Thus, after Thursday's agreement – announced by South Africa's Football Association (SAFA) – the 2013 African cup will go to South Africa, while Libya will get the tournament in 2017 – which had been scheduled to be hosted by South Africa.

The deal between SAFA and the Football Federation of Libya is still to be approved by the Confederation of African Football.

"Safa and the Football Federation of Libya have signed an agreement with regards the hosting of the 2013 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments," Safa said in a statement.

South Africa already took over the hosting of the African Under-20 tournament from Libya earlier this year.

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