CAF rejects ‘false’ reports that 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be moved

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed reports suggesting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be transferred from its planned hosts or postponed.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027 and will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Reports in the Arabic-language media on Friday claimed CAF president Patrice Motsepe would visit the three host nations in January to assess their preparations, five months before the competition begins. They said CAF could consider moving the tournament to another country if Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were deemed unprepared at that stage.

However, CAF media spokesperson Luxolo September told Kooora on Saturday that the claims had no basis.

“These reports are repeated, and we have clarified the truth more than once,” September said.

“These are false reports. They have no basis whatsoever. CAF is not considering moving the Africa Cup of Nations and has confidence in the ability of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to host the tournament on schedule.”

The reports also suggested that the 2027 edition could be pushed back to 2028, with only one tournament being staged before the competition returns to its planned four-year cycle.

September rejected that claim as well, saying CAF remained committed to its current schedule.

He previously denied similar reports about the tournament’s future in comments to Kooora in April.

Two rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have already been played, with the qualification process scheduled to conclude in March.