Several African nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Gabon, have confirmed their decision not to participate in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN). This shift has raised concerns regarding the tournament’s future and its appeal to major footballing nations on the continent. The decision to withdraw follows a series of debates about the competition’s format and its place within African football.
CHAN 2024-2025: L’Égypte, l’Algérie, la Libye , la Tunisie et la RSA boycottent la compétition !
Le Maroc sera le seul pays de la zone UNAF qui va jouer le CHAN qui se déroulera au Kényan,Tanzanie et Ouganda. pic.twitter.com/SZH02KfPZL
— chiblo mabaya (@ChibloMaba98961) December 1, 2024
The 2025 edition of CHAN, scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from February 1 to 28, will proceed despite these high-profile withdrawals.
The competition, which exclusively features players from domestic leagues, has faced ongoing criticism since its inception in 2009.
In recent years, it has struggled to maintain its initial enthusiasm, with several teams opting for more prominent international commitments or expressing dissatisfaction with the tournament’s organization.
⚽️ #Football
Après l’Algérie et l’Egypte, c’est autour de la Tunisie d’annuler sa participation au CHAN TOTALENERGIES 2025. Décision prise par le comité de normalisation et les présidents des clubs avec comme raison évoquée, un calendrier chargé du championnat. #CHAN2025 pic.twitter.com/WhzncPZ2tM— CRTVweb (@CRTV_web) December 1, 2024
In an interview, Mohamed Mestiri, a respected Tunisian coach and football analyst, offered insight into the situation.
He emphasized that the growing dissatisfaction among African teams stems from several factors, including the scheduling of the tournament and its perceived lack of competitiveness compared to other continental competitions, such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The decision of countries like Algeria and Tunisia to withdraw is not surprising,” Mestiri explained. “The timing of CHAN clashes with key domestic league commitments and international competitions, leading many to reconsider its value.
Additionally, the absence of some of the continent’s biggest stars makes the tournament less attractive.
#CHAN : L’Algérie renonce à participer au CHAN prévu du 1er au 28 Février 2025. Cette décision du samedi 21 septembre a été annoncée par la Fédération algérienne de football dans un communiqué. La raison étant de réorienter les efforts et moyens en direction des jeunes catégories pic.twitter.com/lTjJZnDqjj
— AFRICA24 SPORT (@Africa24Sport) September 23, 2024
Despite the withdrawals, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) remains committed to the tournament, which has become a platform for players not yet playing for top European clubs or major national teams.
However, with key nations stepping back, questions arise about the tournament’s future in the face of declining interest from powerhouse teams.
Some believe that unless CHAN evolves to reflect modern football’s demands, it could struggle to maintain its relevance.
As the tournament’s start date draws closer, the focus will be on whether the organizers can secure participation from more nations and revitalize the competition’s stature in African football.
⚽️│Le Championnat d’Afrique des Nations (CHAN) 2024, prévu en 2025, ne suscite guère l’intérêt de nombreux pays. “Algérie, la Tunisie et l’Égypte se sont désistées.”
Le CHAN 2024, co-organisé par le Kenya, la Tanzanie et l’Ouganda, se déroulera du 1ᵉʳ au 28 février 2025.— 𝒁𝒆𝒓𝒃𝒐 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒂 (@Bibra44) November 28, 2024
