Ivory Coast to host Benin despite unrest
Reuters - Saturday 12 March 2011, 16:43
ABIDJAN - The Ivory Coast football federation says their African Nations Cup qualifier against
Benin at the end of month will go ahead in the capital Abidjan
despite ongoing civil unrest in the country.
The Ivorian Football Federation said it had no plans to move
the match, scheduled for 27 March, to a neutral venue even
though the security situation in the west African country is
deteriorating with more violent clashes reported on Saturday.
"The Nations Cup qualifier and an Olympic Games qualifier
for our under-23 team will not be moved despite rumours. We have
informed the Confederation of African Football the matches are
going ahead," a statement issued by the federation said.
"The necessary security arrangements will be made for the
two games to be played in the best conditions. Our opponents
will be well received and looked after without any concern."
However, the federation has cancelled indefinitely the start
of the new Ivorian league season, which had been set for this
weekend.
Hundreds have died in the violence so far since disputed
November election results. Incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo is
refusing to step down despite victory for his opponent Alassane
Ouattara according to U.N.-certified results.
Close to half a million Ivorians across the country have
been forced to flee their homes.