Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed government bodies to make available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Egypt is hosting from 21 June till 19 July. Sisi has instructed state authorities to coordinate in preparing for the tournament, describing the event as "a special sports celebration with African brothers in Egypt amid its current chairmanship of African Union," according to a statement by Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady. President Sisi made the comments in a meeting attended by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Defence and Military Production Minister Mohamed Zaki, Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik, Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy, General Intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, and presidential aide for national and strategic projects Sherif Ismail. The officials discussed a number of issues related to the tournament, including security preparations; arrangements for transportation for teams and spectators; the provision of necessary medical services; the provision of fan IDs and tickets; media coverage; tourist services and hotel readiness; upgrades to sports infrastructure in stadiums and training facilities in the governorates and cities hosting the games; and preparations for opening and closing games. Egypt won the hosting rights of the 2019 African Cup of Nations after winning a majority of votes in a January meeting of the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football. The 2019 AFCON is taking place between 21 June and 19 July. The tournament will be played in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and Ismailia. Egypt previously hosted four editions of the cup; in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006. The Pharaohs have won the prestigious competition seven times. Source: Ahram Online
