The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will meet in Nairobi on Saturday to decide on a wide-ranging agenda that could shape the future of African football.
The executive committee session will come just hours before the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) between Madagascar and Morocco at the Kasarani Stadium.
CAF will confirm the venues for the 2025 and 2026 CAF Awards, appoint a new Director of Refereeing, and finalise dates for the next round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The meeting will also determine the date and venue for the 2025 CAF Super Cup clash between Pyramids and RS Berkane, and review organisational matters for the Women’s CAF Champions League.
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Among the biggest talking points will be the consideration of expanding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and preparations for the 47th CAF General Assembly in DR Congo.
Future AFCON hosting rights
CAF is also set to officially open bids for four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations — 2029, 2031, 2033 and 2035.
With Morocco hosting the 2025 finals and the 2027 tournament awarded to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, several nations are already manoeuvring for future rights.
Ethiopia, which last staged the AFCON in 1976, has expressed strong interest in bringing the tournament back in 2029, a move backed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo are considering a joint bid, with DRC’s Sports Minister Didier Budimbu championing the push.
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Guinea has also signalled intentions to host a future edition, inspired by Côte d’Ivoire’s acclaimed 2023 finals.
Senegal, who failed in their 2027 attempt, have ruled themselves out of the 2029 race but could return as contenders for 2031, 2033, or 2035.
The official announcement on bidding is expected after Saturday’s meeting, but already the battle to host AFCON is shaping up to be fierce.
