The African football community has reacted with anger and frustration following reports suggesting that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be postponed to 2026. The rumors, which were sparked by comments from Veron Mosengo-Omba, the secretary general of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), were widely circulated by media outlets, including the French sports daily L’Equipe.
Media Reports and CAF Denial
Reports indicate that the postponement is likely due to the scheduling of the new format of the Club World Cup, which is set to take place in June-July.
Despite an official denial from CAF, which appears to be an attempt to maintain its reputation, many believe that the 35th edition of AFCON will indeed be rescheduled to January-February 2026.
This potential shift has sparked significant backlash from fans and commentators who fear it will undermine the tournament’s quality.
Fan Reactions and Concerns
Fans of African football have expressed their dismay, with concerns that the postponement will lead to a subpar tournament.
The primary worry is that clubs, facing an already hectic schedule, will resist releasing their players for AFCON, compromising the competition’s integrity.
Lamenting the situation, journalist Mansour Loum remarked, “Then these people come and tell you that they really think about African football.
Big joke. All the clubs will keep their players.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the interests of African football are being sidelined in favor of other global competitions.
Scheduling Conflicts
The revised UEFA Champions League format, which extends the group stage from mid-September to the end of January, further complicates matters.
Following this, the playoffs will determine the round of 16 matchups. Adding to the congestion, some African internationals are expected to participate in the Club World Cup, AFCON, and the World Cup within a twelve-month span.
This intense schedule raises fears of player burnout and diminished performances.
Journalist Lassana Camara criticized the situation as a blatant “lack of respect,” while Mame Fatou Ndoye condemned it as making Africans “the turkeys of the joke as always.”
These reactions underscore the widespread disappointment and sense of injustice felt across the continent.
Implications for CAF’s Reputation
This episode is likely to further erode CAF’s standing among African football enthusiasts.
The perception that the organization is not adequately prioritizing the interests of African football could have long-term repercussions for its credibility and support within the continent.
Conclusion
As the debate over the potential postponement of AFCON 2025 continues, the African football community’s response highlights deep-seated frustrations and concerns about the future of the tournament.
Ensuring that AFCON retains its prestige and competitive integrity will require careful consideration and transparent communication from CAF to its stakeholders.
Sachant que la phase de groupe de la nouvelle formule de la ligue des champions va de mi-septembre à fin janvier… Et qu’il y a juste après en février un tour de playoffs pour déterminer les adversaires des premiers 1/8 de finalistes qualifiés 😂😂😂
— 🇸🇳 Lamine (@MLLoume) June 5, 2024
