AFCON 2027 will not be postponed despite uncertainties, announces CAF president
The CAF president confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will proceed as scheduled, amid concerns regarding infrastructure readiness and political climate in host countries.
On February 13, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee convened in Dar es Salaam and decided that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 will not be postponed, dismissing rumors suggesting otherwise. The CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, expressed commitment to maintaining the original schedule for the competition, despite concerns raised about the readiness of facilities and the political situations in the host nations.
Motsepe highlighted that media reports have raised issues regarding the conditions of venues, including the readiness of the pitches, yet he reassured that the CAF is confident in the host countries' ability to meet the necessary preparations. The determination to uphold the scheduled dates underscores the CAF's stance on the importance of the event for African football and its commitment to ensuring a successful tournament despite existing challenges.
Additionally, the meeting addressed recent incidents during the AFCON final, with promises to enhance the discipline and refereeing standards within the tournament. This move is seen as part of the broader effort to improve the quality and safety of the competition, and to restore confidence among fans and stakeholders in African football. The commitment from the CAF to proceed with AFCON 2027 exemplifies their strategic priorities and the significance of the tournament in promoting unity and showcasing the sporting talents of the continent.