THE Democratic Republic of Congo has announced its withdrawal from the race to stage either the 2015 or 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament.

Congolese FA president Omari Selemani told BBC Sport that economic and infrastructure problems have forced them to drop out.

Selemani said: "The government has many commitments in the next few years.” He added that the government simply cannot afford the investment that would be required in infrastructure.

A statement on the Confederation of African Football (Caf)’s website said: "The DRC communicated their withdrawal in the race for the hosting rights of the two tournaments through correspondence to Caf.”

Morocco and South Africa are the contenders to stage the 30th and 31st Nations Cup editions. DRC won the Nations Cup in 1974 but has never hosted the tournament.

Agencies