The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been dealt a big blow as Ivory Coast withdraw as host of the 24th edition of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for April 26 to May 18, 2025.
The shocking decision was made public by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) by the Executive Secretary on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 as per widespread reports in the country.
The Ivorian government, through a letter to the FIF as sighted by http://AfricaSoccer.com indicated the impossibility of hosting the much-desired tournament.
The withdrawal leaves CAF in a rush to identify a new host weeks before the tournament.
President Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is also FIF and chairman of the COCAN U-20 organizing committee, was sorry about the incident.
He thanked individuals who worked and dedicated their time to preparations for the tournament, promising stakeholders that he would keep them informed about CAF’s next move.
The motives behind Ivory Coast’s withdrawal are unknown, though rumors point towards logistical challenges and finances.
With the dust yet to settle, CAF will have to quickly find a new host to ensure the tournament goes ahead on schedule.
The sudden turn of events is symptomatic of the pitfalls of hosting big sporting tournaments and the gulf between desire and reality.
