Afcon 2027: CAF rejects relocation rumours and backs East Africa hosts

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved to shut down mounting speculation that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be shifted away from East Africa, insisting the tournament will go ahead as planned in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

In a statement released alongside a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday 22 July, CAF president Patrice Motsepe underlined the organisation’s support for the so‐called “Pamoja 2027” project, despite persistent reports of severe delays in preparations.

CAF says planning for the competition, scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027, is progressing “conformement au calendrier etabli” – in line with the agreed timetable – and that it remains confident in the three host nations’ ability to deliver the event.

CAF praises ‘exemplary’ commitment of host governments

The governing body highlighted what it described as the “engagement exemplaire” – exemplary commitment – of the governments of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, saying they are working closely with CAF teams to meet all hosting requirements.

The ongoing work spans a wide range of projects: main stadiums, training grounds, hotel capacity and upgrades, transport links, security arrangements, medical facilities, technology networks and broadcast infrastructure.

CAF’s public show of support runs counter to recent media reports that have painted a picture of alarming delays, particularly in Kenya, and raised doubts over whether the three countries could be ready in time.

Motsepe used his appearance in Johannesburg to “faire le point” – take stock – of preparations for the next Afcon, reiterating the organisation’s stance that the East African bid remains on track.

Rumours of Morocco rescue role

The latest intervention comes after claims from Moroccan outlet Soccer212, which alleged that CAF had been privately pleading with Morocco to step in as emergency hosts because of slow progress in the East African nations.

Those reports intensified concerns, especially as a CAF delegation travelled to Uganda at the end of April to try to speed up certain projects on the ground. A major review of construction and infrastructure work is due to take place in August and is seen within CAF as a key checkpoint.

CAF’s Wednesday statement does not explicitly deny that any contact has been made with Morocco. However, by again publicly backing Pamoja 2027, the organisation has offered fresh official confirmation that – at least for now – it is not pursuing relocation.

Motsepe had already taken a firm line in February, saying he no longer wished to hear discussions about moving the tournament away from its designated hosts.

Morocco an unlikely alternative

Even if CAF were to consider contingency plans, Morocco currently appears an unlikely replacement. Royal Moroccan Football Federation chief Fouzi Lekjaa has recently stated that the kingdom would no longer submit bids to host African competitions.

That position further reduces the plausibility of Rabat being parachuted in as a last‐minute solution, despite Morocco’s recent track record of staging major football events at short notice.

With less than a year remaining before Afcon 2027 kicks off, CAF is continuing to project outward confidence that East Africa will be ready. The decisive moment, though, is expected in August, when inspectors will conduct a detailed assessment of stadiums and related infrastructure.

Only then will it become clear whether the optimism voiced by Motsepe and his organisation is fully matched by the reality on the ground in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

By Louis Mukoma Fargues