The future of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2027, scheduled to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will be at the centre of a crucial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday.
CAF’s Executive Committee (EXCO), chaired by President Dr Patrice Motsepe, meets in Dar es Salaam amid growing questions over whether the three East African nations will meet the tournament’s infrastructure and operational deadlines.
The meeting follows an intensive round of inspections by CAF-appointed technical experts across the three countries this week. The findings of those visits are expected to inform EXCO’s deliberations on whether preparations are on track — or whether corrective measures are required.
The inspection teams assessed stadium infrastructure, pitch quality, safety and security protocols, training facilities and broader tournament readiness.
CAF says the visits form part of its commitment to enforcing “strict, world-class delivery standards” for Africa’s flagship football competition.
In Tanzania, inspectors began at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam before travelling to Arusha to review Samia Suluhu Stadium and then to Zanzibar, where Amaan Stadium and the proposed Fumba Stadium were examined.
In Kenya, scrutiny focused on Nairobi’s key venues including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sports Stadium, along with designated training centres such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Uganda’s programme included visits to Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, facilities in Entebbe, and the under-construction Hoima City Stadium, which is earmarked as a tournament venue.
AFCON 2027 represents a historic first for the East African region under the banner “PAMOJA” — meaning “together” — symbolising a united hosting effort across three nations.
However, staging the expanded 24-team tournament requires significant logistical coordination and infrastructure investment.
CAF has in recent years tightened compliance standards for its competitions, insisting that host nations meet clear benchmarks in stadium readiness, broadcast capability, fan safety and training facilities.
Delays in infrastructure projects or failure to meet timelines could force CAF to impose conditions, revise timelines or take further measures.
For the three governments and their respective Local Organising Committees, Friday’s EXCO meeting is therefore seen as a defining moment in the countdown to 2027.
CAF has maintained that it is working “closely” with the host nations to ensure that preparations intensify.
The organisation views AFCON as not only a sporting event but also a catalyst for long-term football development and infrastructure improvement across the continent.
Dr Motsepe is expected to outline the Executive Committee’s position during a press conference later on Friday in Dar es Salaam.
Whatever the outcome, the decision will shape the trajectory of East Africa’s bid to deliver one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events.
