Contrary to earlier reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may postpone the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, the football governing body has unanimously agreed to stick with the original date of the biennial championship.

The 2015 AFCON is expected to hold from 17 January to 8 February in Morocco.

Though the host country, through its Ministry of Youths and Sports, had earlier requested for the postponement of the 2015 AFCON because of the outbreak of the Ebola virus.

However, after considering Morocco’s request in a meeting on Sunday in Algiers, Algeria, CAF Executive Committee decided that the original date would hold.

According to the continental body, the competition’s original dates would hold because it had already taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Since the beginning of the latest outbreak of the Ebola virus, CAF has always acted in accordance with the precautionary principle of safeguarding lives by strictly adhering to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“This was enforced through a circular dated Aug. 12 which sanctioned the suspension of all CAF competitions in countries heavily affected by the disease, namely Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

 “This is to prevent holding football matches which could result in mass gatherings and could facilitate the spread of the virus,” a statement on CAF’s website stated.

The statement also added that CAF had been able to organise several competitions across the continent since April 2014 with no cases of Ebola reported in connection with a football match’s organisation.

“The letter explained that WHO did not recommend the cancellation of international meetings and mass gatherings in countries other than those affected,” the statement was quoted as saying.

The statement also said the requirement was made to all National Associations of CAF to comply with health protocols prescribed by WHO.

“Thus, the Executive Committee of CAF confirms its commitment to keep the competition on the dates earlier indicated.

“It also asks the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to clarify the final position of Morocco not later than Nov. 8,” the statement was quoted as saying.

It explained that the time given also applied to all other CAF national associations wishing to organise the competition on the dates agreed as long as the hosting requirements are met.

It was gathered that another meeting of CAF’s Executive Committee will be held on 11 November in Cairo, Egypt for other necessary decisions to be taken on the 2015 AFCON.