Doubts Over Readiness May Postpone 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is at risk of being postponed to 2028 due to concerns over the readiness of the host countries Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Despite official statements from CAF President Patrice Motsepe affirming the tournament will proceed in June-July 2027 and be hosted in the original nations, infrastructure issues remain a major concern. The hosting nations face challenges related to stadium security, ticketing, and logistical readiness, which could hinder their ability to host a 24-team tournament across ten cities. The CAF executive committee is scheduled to meet in Dar es Salaam to discuss the possibility of postponement, which would also cancel the 2028 edition planned for Ethiopia and pave the way for a new African Nations League in 2029. Additionally, there are unresolved issues regarding the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) scheduled for March 17, with Morocco's potential withdrawal and South Africa's readiness to host. The CAF president emphasized the importance of maintaining the original schedule for Wafcon as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The tournament's timing and infrastructure development are critical, as delays could impact African football development and revenue. The decision on postponement hinges on infrastructure inspections and discussions during the upcoming CAF meeting.
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