CAF sounds out Morocco and two other countries over 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco is among three countries reportedly contacted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a contingency option for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The move is understood to reflect concerns about whether Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be ready to stage the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

According to football insider Youssef, construction work in Kenya remains behind schedule, with the Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi still being built.

The identities of the two other countries approached by CAF have not been disclosed. Morocco, however, is being considered because it has modern facilities that are already available for use.

It is not the first time Morocco has been linked with a possible change of host for the 2027 tournament.

In mid-July, Soccer212, an account regarded as well informed about Moroccan football, reported that CAF had privately asked Morocco to organise the next edition. CAF denied that claim, while reaffirming its support for the Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda partnership in a statement released at the end of July.

The latest reports come after an inspection delegation visited the host countries a few days ago to assess progress on the infrastructure and construction projects.

With nine months remaining before the tournament begins, the state of preparations has continued to raise concern. Those concerns were heightened this week by comments from CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who appeared to give conflicting messages while speaking during a tour of East Africa.

Motsepe again ruled out moving the tournament elsewhere, insisting that CAF had no alternative arrangements in place.

> “There is no Plan B, there is no Plan C. There never will be one,”

he said.

However, he also acknowledged the pressure facing the organisation as preparations continue.

> “The problem is that we are nine months away from the Africa Cup of Nations, which constitutes a major emergency.”

The remarks appeared to underline the tension between CAF’s public insistence that the tournament will remain with the “Pamoja” host countries and the concerns over whether the required work will be completed on time.

A final inspection is scheduled for January next year, when the readiness of the venues and wider infrastructure is expected to be examined again.