CAF President Ahmad has warned Cameroon is at risk of losing the hosting rights for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations ©Getty Images

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Ahmad has warned Cameroon that it is at risk of losing the right to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations because of the slow progress in their preparations for the tournament.

Ahmad was critical of the organisers for their work so far, claiming they were "not ready to welcome even four teams".

An Inspection Committee is due to conduct an eight-day visit to Cameroon later this month to assess their progress, particularly surrounding the state of key infrastructure projects.

Madagascar's Ahmad, elected CAF President earlier this year and who goes by only one name, refused to rule out the possibility that Cameroon may be stripped of the event if they are unable to rectify the current issues.

"It's only then that we would take the necessary conclusions with the [CAF] Executive Committee," he said.

"Plan B is to open tender procedures so that there are other [countries] participating in the organisation."

Government officials in Cameroon, however, have insisted they will be able to stage the tournament, the first edition of the event to feature 24 nations following CAF's recent decision to grow the competition by eight teams, as planned.

Officials in Cameroon have repeatedly insisted their hosting of the event is not in danger ©Getty Images
Officials in Cameroon have repeatedly insisted their hosting of the event is not in danger ©Getty Images

Official Government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed the visit of the CAF Inspection Committee did not spell trouble for Cameroon and did not mean their hosting rights were in danger.

CAF's decision to expand the competition to 24 trams has led to further concerns surrounding the increased pressure it had put on Cameroon as hosts of the tournament.

"This inspection mission, like those that will follow throughout the process towards the deadline of the event, is not aimed at sanctioning," Tchiroma told the BBC.

"On the contrary, it is an opportunity for any changes and consultation in order to ascertain the state of preparedness and to readjust as necessary the strategy for the full success of the event.

"The mission will visit each of the sites selected for the event and inspect all infrastructure involved in the organisation of the event in terms of sport, hotel, roads, airport, hospitals, and telecommunications.

"Each time there is an assessment, it will be followed by a general report on future deadlines."

Morocco have already indicated they would be willing to step in should Cameroon not be able to host the event.