Patrick Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed full confidence in Morocco’s ability to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, emphasizing that the country remains the “first, second, and third choice” despite recent events.
Motsepe described the expected Moroccan organization as “the most exciting and popular in the history of the tournament,” confirming CAF’s collaboration with the Moroccan government and people to ensure the best edition yet.
These remarks were made during a CAF meeting in Kinshasa, where Motsepe dismissed any discussion of changing the tournament’s host due to social and political tensions in Morocco, which has recently faced violent protests. “Our position is completely clear: Morocco is the first, second, and third plan. We are fully confident,” Motsepe stated, adding that “Morocco’s success gives us great confidence after recent events.”
He highlighted that CAF will work with all stakeholders to make the tournament “the most successful in its history.” These comments follow a recent visit by a CAF preparation committee to Morocco, where they praised the country’s sports infrastructure. Motsepe confirmed that the tournament will take place in nine world-class stadiums.
The committee’s report described the efforts as “incredible,” noting that these venues will be ready to welcome millions of spectators by the end of the year for a grand celebration fitting of the continent’s premier tournament. Motsepe stated that CAF anticipates a significant increase in attendance compared to previous editions, focusing on enhancing investment in African football, with the organization recording a record profit of $9.48 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
This announcement comes as Morocco, under the leadership of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation headed by Fouzi Lekjaa, remains the main partner of CAF for this event.
The AFCON 2025 is expected to commence in December and will last several weeks, featuring 24 national teams competing for the continental title.
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