Mali wants Africa Cup of Nations tie against Algeria moved

 

Mali wants its African Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria on 10 September moved to a neutral venue over fears of violence. 

It comes after Cameroonian Albert Ebosse died after being hit by an object thrown by fans at an Algerian league game on Saturday.

As a result the Mali Football Federation (FMF) has written to the Confederation of African Football requesting the move to a ground outside Algeria.

"Algeria had a remarkable performance at the last World Cup and we are afraid that if its players don't do as well against us, the Algerian fans will attack our players,'' a FMF spokesman said.

Games have been suspended in Algeria this weekend and the stadium where the incident took place has been closed until new measures to protect players can be put in place.

In 2012, it was Algeria that asked for, and received, a change of venue for a World Cup qualifying match to be held in Mali, citing the violence in the far north of the country.

Meanwhile the FMF has also announced it will be bidding to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after Libya pulled out of organising the event on Saturday.
 
Ghana, Ethiopia and Kenya have already expressed their interest in hosting the tournament too.