CAF rules out Plan B as Tanzania prepares to co-host AFCON 2027

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has ruled out any possibility of Tanzania being replaced as a host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, despite concerns over the country’s readiness to stage the tournament.

Motsepe said he had previously been told that Tanzania would not be ready to host the competition and that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should consider a Plan B or even a Plan C.

However, the CAF president dismissed those suggestions, insisting that the continental governing body remains fully committed to Tanzania hosting the tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.

“From CAF’s perspective and personally, there is never going to be Plan B or Plan C, and never will there be,” Motsepe said.

The South African football administrator also cautioned against relying on some of the negative reports circulating in the media, saying they contain misinformation about Tanzania’s preparations.

He acknowledged that there are areas where progress needs to be accelerated but said CAF would continue working closely with the Tanzanian authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the required infrastructure and facilities are delivered.

Motsepe said he had received extensive reports on the state of preparations on Thursday morning and was confident about Tanzania’s ability to meet the demands of hosting Africa’s biggest football tournament.

“We have to work together with Tanzania to make sure that whatever areas need to be accelerated, we accelerate them and make sure that we are ready for a successful AFCON,” he said.

His comments come as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda step up preparations for the 2027 tournament, which will be the first edition of the AFCON to be jointly hosted by three countries.

CAF has deployed a 21-member expert delegation to work across the three host nations, with some members of the team now permanently based in the countries.

The delegation is overseeing preparations in key areas, including stadiums, training facilities, pitches and other tournament infrastructure.

Motsepe said the preparations require close cooperation between CAF, the host governments, football associations and local organising committees.

The CAF president is also scheduled to return to Tanzania in January 2027 for a final assessment of the country’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

His decision to publicly rule out alternative hosting plans underlines CAF’s continued commitment to the three-nation hosting arrangement, while also putting emphasis on the need for outstanding work to be completed within the available timeframe.

Tanzania will therefore continue its preparations with CAF support as the country works towards meeting the standards required for the 2027 AFCON.

The tournament is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in East Africa, with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda sharing hosting responsibilities.