CAF President Reaffirms Confidence in Morocco Hosting 2025 AFCON Amid Protests

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has reiterated his firm belief that Morocco remains fully capable of hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite recent anti-government demonstrations across the country.

The tournament is set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featuring 24 national teams competing across nine venues.

Concerns have grown following protests led predominantly by young Moroccans, who accuse the government of prioritising lavish stadium projects for the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup over essential services such as healthcare and education. Demonstrators have been seen chanting slogans including, “We want hospitals, not stadiums.”

Addressing these concerns during the CAF Congress in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, Motsepe dismissed doubts about the tournament’s future.

“We are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned,” he said. “Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B, and Morocco is plan C. CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history.”

Motsepe’s statement underscores CAF’s commitment to Morocco as the sole host, affirming that the organisation will work closely with both the authorities and citizens to ensure a smooth and successful tournament.