The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) could be postponed until 2028 amid concerns over the readiness of co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Caf’s executive committee (ExCo) is expected to discuss the proposal at a meeting in Dar es Salaam on Friday, with growing scrutiny over infrastructure and scheduling challenges surrounding the 24-team tournament.
The three East African nations were awarded hosting rights for the 2027 edition, which is due to be staged across 10 cities. However, several ExCo sources cited by the Guardian have raised concerns about stadium readiness, security arrangements and overall infrastructure capacity.
Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.Photo Credit: X
Last August, logistical issues including ticketing and security measures were reported during the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) hosted by the same countries.
There are also reported difficulties in fitting the qualification schedule into an already congested international calendar, particularly with up to 10 African teams potentially participating at this summer’s expanded World Cup.
In December, Caf president Patrice Motsepe announced that Afcon would switch from a biennial to a four-year cycle beginning in 2028. Under that proposal, the 2027 tournament would proceed as planned, with the 2029 edition brought forward to 2028.
However, if the 2027 edition is pushed back by 12 months, Caf may be forced to scrap the 2028 tournament entirely. Ethiopia had expressed interest in bidding for that competition, alongside a reported joint South Africa-Botswana bid.
Such a move would also clear the path for Caf’s proposed African Nations League, planned for 2029 and intended to become a key revenue-generating competition.
Despite the uncertainty, Motsepe last month insisted the 2027 tournament would go ahead.
“I have a duty to develop football all over Africa,” he said. “I can’t have competitions only in those four countries where you’ve got the infrastructure.
You’ve got to create opportunities for the other countries to build infrastructure as well. I’m confident that the Afcon in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will be enormously successful.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Photo Credit: Imago
Conflicting claims
However, African football journalist Micky Jnr has dismissed suggestions of a postponement.
“There is no truth to the claims suggesting the tournament will be postponed to 2028,” he said.
He added that Tanzania and Uganda have each deposited $30m (£24m) into Caf’s accounts in line with their obligations as co-hosts, while Kenya’s payment is pending but expected to be finalised soon.
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Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds next month’s Women’s Afcon, scheduled to begin on 17 March. Reports suggest Morocco may withdraw as hosts, with South Africa indicating it is prepared to step in if required.
Neither Caf nor the Moroccan football federation has confirmed any change, with a decision anticipated at Friday’s ExCo meeting.
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It is also understood that at least one ExCo member plans to raise questions about Caf general secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba’s continued tenure, amid reports he has reached the statutory retirement age under Caf regulations.
