Morocco has called for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to be postponed because of the Ebola epidemic sweeping through West Africa.

The month-long competition, which takes place every two years, is due to begin in Morocco in January 2015.

Morocco's health ministry made the demand in the wake of the country's decision "to avoid events which involve those countries affected by the Ebola virus," the MAP news agency said.

An official request to delay the continent's footballing showcase has been lodged with the Africa Cup of Nations' organisers, the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

More than 4,000 people have died in the Ebola epidemic that broke out in west Africa at the start of the year, according to the latest figures released by the World Health Organization.

Ebola has already made an impact on qualifying for Morocco 2015.

CAF has moved qualifying matches from those concerned countries to neutral venues as many African governments have sought a shield against worst-hit states Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.

Athletes from Ebola-hit countries were barred from competing in some sports in the Youth Olympics in China in August.

FRANCE 24 with AFP