CAF president,Patrice Motsepe
HighlightSports

CAF announces new date for 2025 AFCON in Morocco

474

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe said on Friday that the next Africa Cup of Nations will begin in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The CAF president, after a virtual executive committee meeting at the headquarters in Cairo, said Morocco 2025 will be the best AFCON.

He said: “I am confident that the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and the best AFCON in the history of this competition.”

Originally scheduled for June and July 2025, the AFCON was moved to avoid a clash with the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States from June 15 to July 13 next year.

An added challenge for CAF officials was the desire to avoid a clash of dates with the UEFA Champions League in Europe.

Matchday six of the elite European club competition ends on December 11, 2025, and matchday seven begins on January 21, 2026.

However, the new dates are sure to upset many Premier League clubs as the Christmas-New Year period is frenetic, with teams playing many matches in a short period.

English media reports have suggested clubs might not release African stars as they are compelled to do so for only one international championship per year, and the next World Cup is in 2026.

Although the majority of the tournament will take place the following year, CAF could argue that it is the 2025 AFCON.

Finding suitable dates for the AFCON, a 24-nation tournament won by hosts Ivory Coast last February, has become increasingly difficult.

Persecondnews had earlier reported that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now take place in Morocco at the beginning of 2026, according to a statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The African football fiesta, which was originally scheduled to take place in June, faced a clash with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13.

This decision poses a setback for Morocco, which had aimed to utilize the summer tournament to showcase its growing tourism sector and demonstrate its capability to host major events ahead of the 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Portugal and Spain.

Additionally, CAF has faced criticism for its failure to finalise dates for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), also scheduled to be held in Morocco.

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the second edition of the African Football League, the continent’s newly launched super league.

While the first edition featured eight selected clubs competing for record prize money in a condensed two-month knockout competition, CAF President Patrice Motsepe had promised an expansion to 24 teams for the next edition.

However, CAF’s recent announcement revealed that next season’s African Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages would occupy the same October to December timeframe previously allocated to the African Football League.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...