Cecafa: Challenge Cup put on hold

The 38th edition of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup tournament will not be held this year.

The regional tournament was supposed to be held in November through December but was called off after the organisers failed to get a new host for the oldest event in the continent following Ethiopia's withdrawal two months ago.

The decision to cancel this year's edition was reached on Sunday during an Extra Ordinary General Assembly meeting chaired by body's chairman Leodegar Tenga and attended by all the 12 Football Associations Presidents from East and Central Africa in Nairobi.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing, Secretary General Nicholas Musonye revealed Cecafa's  intentions to change the format of the competition in upcoming regional events.

"It's unfortunate that we have been forced to cancel this year's edition. The circumstances made it unavoidable. From lack of hosting venue following Ethiopia's last minute withdrawal to inadequate funds we could not manage to host the tournament," said Musonye.

"And to cut down the costs of hosting the tournament, we've resolved to change the structure of both the Cecafa Senior Challenge and Club Championships starting next year."

Cecafa further pledged its support for world football soccer governing body, FIFA president Sepp Blatter re-election next year and backed Confederation of Africa's decision to suspend Morocco from participating in the 2015 AFCON Tournament after refusing to host the continental show piece due to fears over the Ebola virus.

"We've resolved to unanimously support President Blatter in next year's elections. We also support Caf's decision to suspend Morocco for refusing to host the 2015 tournament," said Musonye.

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