Patrice Motsepe, the South African president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has refused to confirm a specific date for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON ) slated to be hosted in Morocco in 2025.
Addressing the ongoing debate about the timing of “AFCON 2025” during a press conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Motsepe, the head of the continent’s top football authority, stated, “So far, the tournament will be held at the same time as the Club World Cup.
There are many tournaments happening at the same time.”
He continued, “I don’t want to talk about the date now because there are still discussions about this matter.
All I want to say is that the 2025 edition will be excellent and will enjoy remarkable success.”
Earlier, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation had confirmed in a previous statement that “AFCON 2025” would be held in the summer.
Motsepe met with the heads of member associations ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final and spoke, saying, “This edition is the best in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, and the level of the major teams has not declined.”
He added, “Nearly two billion people around the world watched the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast 2023, and we should be proud as Africans. The next edition will be even better.
Africa’s success depends on Africa working together, trading together, and in football, countries compete and play together.”
Motsepe revealed that every national football association will receive $400,000 annually to develop infrastructure and sports facilities in Africa.
“We will not tolerate corruption and racism, and we are committed to collective action. We are working on improving infrastructure in Africa, and over time, we will see the results,” he said.
“We are working to refine the skills of coaches, players, and all stakeholders in African football. Ivory Coast is a wonderful country, and its people love football.
I thank its president for the excellent organization and hospitality,” Motsepe concluded.
It is worth noting that the Ivory Coast national team will face Nigeria on Sunday in the current edition’s final match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 at the Hassan II Stadium in Abidjan.
