The truth about postponing the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations: An official response from the CAF president
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), settled the controversy surrounding the fate of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, categorically denying recent reports about withdrawing the organization from East African countries or postponing the event, and confirming the continental federation's commitment to holding the tournament on schedule in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
A decisive response to European rumors
Motsepe's remarks came as a direct response to international press reports, most notably one published by the British newspaper The Guardian, which alleged that there was a move within CAF to postpone the tournament to 2028 or relocate it altogether, citing the lack of readiness of the infrastructure and stadiums in the three host countries. Motsepe clarified in a press conference that these reports were completely unfounded, emphasizing that future editions would adhere to the approved schedule.
Motsepe said: “I would like to reiterate that press reports often indicate that the stadiums are not ready, or that the grass is not prepared, but we will solve this problem. We must believe in our ability to organize the continental tournament on time, and we are confident that the governments of the three countries will fulfill their commitments.”.
The "Pamoja" file: A revival of the spirit in the east of the continent
Hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations holds immense strategic and historical significance. The joint bid known as "Pamoja" (meaning "together" in Swahili) won the hosting rights in September 2023, beating out other strong bids. This is a historic step, as it marks the first time East Africa will host the continent's premier football tournament since Ethiopia hosted the 1976 edition, ending decades of the region's absence from the major football organization map.
Infrastructure challenges and economic opportunities
Despite concerns raised by Western media, economic and sports experts believe the tournament represents a golden opportunity for the three countries to accelerate their development. The governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have already begun allocating substantial budgets to renovate key stadiums such as the Moi International Stadium in Nairobi and the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, as well as to improve transportation networks and hotels.
By insisting on holding the tournament in East Africa, CAF aims to implement a policy of rotating hosting rights to ensure the development of sports infrastructure across the continent, not just in the northern or western countries that have traditionally hosted the event. The tournament is expected to boost sports tourism in the region, renowned globally for its natural reserves, thus adding a unique tourism dimension to the upcoming edition.
African Championships Roadmap
Motsepe’s confirmation closes the door on speculation, as attention is now focused on Morocco, which is preparing to host the 2025 edition, with the East African trio’s bid to host it immediately afterward in 2027. This reflects stability in the African Union’s agenda and a desire to strengthen the financial resources of host countries by giving them sufficient time to prepare and invest.
