CAF dismisses AFCON 2027 relocation rumours, insists East Africa plans remain on track

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has firmly rejected mounting speculation that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be moved away from East Africa, insisting preparations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda remain firmly on course despite growing scrutiny over infrastructure readiness.

CAF’s response comes after a wave of reports from major international media outlets raised doubts about the readiness of the East African joint bid.

Publications including The Guardian and French newspaper Le Monde suggested that the tournament could face postponement or even relocation due to concerns over infrastructure, stadium readiness and coordination between host nations.

Some reports claimed CAF was considering pushing the tournament back by a year, potentially disrupting the broader African football calendar.

Others went further, suggesting hosting rights could be withdrawn altogether, with countries such as South Africa or Rwanda mentioned as possible alternatives.

However, CAF leadership has consistently maintained that such claims are unfounded.

President Patrice Motsepe had earlier dismissed the speculation outright, stating that the tournament would go ahead as planned in the summer of 2027.

Firm stance amid growing speculation

Now in reaction to the latest publication by the French newspaper CAF Head of Media, Luxolo September’s has reinforced his President’s position, presenting a unified front from CAF amid increasing external pressure.

Mr. September moved quickly to shut down reports from international outlets suggesting delays could force a change of hosts.

Speaking exclusively to AfricaSoccer.com, September emphasised that the continental body remains fully committed to the original plan and is actively working on the ground to ensure the tournament is delivered successfully.

“The CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has made CAF’s position on this matter clear – that the only plan for CAF is for AFCON 2027 to be hosted in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Nothing has changed,” September said.

He added that CAF officials are not only monitoring developments from afar but are already deeply engaged with stakeholders across the three nations.

“As we speak, CAF Senior Administration leaders are in Uganda meeting the football leadership and the government officials from the three countries. The topic is focused on planning and all the priority areas,” he explained.

“This means that preparations for AFCON 2027 in the three countries is on track. We are here – working with the football leadership and governments and LOC to ensure that AFCON 2027 succeeds.”

Reality check: progress and pressure

While CAF’s official stance remains unequivocal, concerns about infrastructure development in parts of the host region have not entirely disappeared.

Reports indicate that Tanzania is largely on track with its preparations, with stadium construction and upgrades progressing according to schedule. In contrast, Kenya and Uganda are believed to be facing more significant challenges, particularly in meeting CAF’s stringent Category 4 stadium requirements.

Uganda, according to inspection findings cited in foreign reports, currently lacks a fully compliant stadium, while Kenya has reportedly been warned over delays in key projects such as the Talanta Stadium and upgrades to the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi.

These concerns have been further amplified by claims that CAF has issued internal warnings to the host nations, urging faster progress to meet deadlines.

Yet, CAF’s public messaging has focused on collaboration rather than criticism, highlighting ongoing engagement and support for the host countries.

A historic joint bid under the spotlight

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations represents a landmark moment for African football, marking the first time the tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were awarded hosting rights in April 2023, beating competing bids and promising to deliver a unique cross-border tournament that would showcase East Africa’s growing football infrastructure and regional unity.

The plan involves staging matches across multiple cities, with Kenya expected to host games in Nairobi, Kakamega and Eldoret, Tanzania in several key urban centres, and Uganda in cities including Kampala and Hoima.

The scale of the project – featuring 24 teams across 10 cities – presents both an opportunity and a logistical challenge, requiring significant investment in stadiums, transport networks, accommodation and security.

CAF’s balancing act

CAF now finds itself balancing two competing realities: maintaining confidence in the host nations while ensuring that preparations meet the high standards required for Africa’s flagship tournament.

September’s remarks suggest that CAF is taking a hands-on approach, with senior officials directly involved in overseeing progress and addressing potential gaps.

The presence of a high-level CAF delegation in Uganda this week – led by Secretary General Samson Adamu – underlines the seriousness with which the governing body is treating the situation.

Rather than signalling panic, CAF appears keen to project stability, emphasising that challenges are part of the normal preparation process for a tournament of this magnitude.

Broader implications for African football

The controversy surrounding AFCON 2027 also comes at a time of broader changes within African football governance.

CAF has previously announced plans to align the Africa Cup of Nations with a four-year cycle starting from 2028, a move designed to synchronise with global football calendars and reduce scheduling conflicts.

Any disruption to the 2027 edition could therefore have wider implications for the tournament’s future structure, adding to the importance of delivering a successful event in East Africa.

Looking ahead

For now, CAF’s message is clear: the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as planned.

However, the coming months are likely to prove critical, as construction timelines tighten and scrutiny from both CAF and the international media intensifies.

With senior officials already on the ground and regular inspections expected to continue, the focus will shift from speculation to tangible progress.

If the host nations can accelerate development and meet CAF’s requirements, the tournament could become a historic success story for East African football.

If not, the debate over contingency plans may resurface with greater urgency.

For now, though, CAF is standing firm.