By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has emphatically confirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place in Morocco as scheduled — despite recent protests and unrest across the country.
Speaking during the 47th CAF General Assembly in Kinshasa, Motsepe dismissed suggestions that the tournament might be relocated, declaring that “Morocco is plan A, plan B and plan C.” He reaffirmed full confidence in Morocco’s capacity to host what he hopes will be the “most successful Africa Cup of Nations in history.”
Unrest in Morocco and Concerns
In recent weeks, cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier have seen protests led largely by youth movements, including “GenZ212,” raising grievances over socio-economic issues, public services, healthcare, and education. Some demonstrations have been peaceful; others have reported clashes or vandalism.
These events prompted speculation in the media—especially from outlets in France and Algeria—about whether CAF might consider moving AFCON 2025 to another country for safety or logistical reasons.
Motsepe’s Reassurances
Motsepe made several key points:
Morocco remains the only option. There is no “plan B” in terms of host country; Morocco is the sole host.
Dates confirmed. The tournament remains scheduled for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in nine venues across six cities.
Commitment from all stakeholders. CAF, the Moroccan government, and local authorities are said to be working together to ensure that organizational, security, and infrastructure requirements are met.
“CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history,” Motsepe said.
Why CAF Remains Firm
CAF’s position appears to be grounded in several factors:
Infrastructure readiness. Morocco has a well-established track record of hosting large sporting events and already has nine stadiums earmarked across six cities.
Contractual and logistical implications. Moving a continental tournament of this scale at late notice involves complex issues — contracts, broadcasting, travel, security, and scheduling. Delays or relocation can be extremely costly and disruptive.
Symbolic importance. Holding AFCON in Morocco is seen by CAF leadership as more than just a sporting event; it is a marker of continental unity and capacity. To shift the host country in response to domestic unrest could set a precedent they prefer to avoid.
Risks and What Could Go Wrong
While Motsepe’s assurances are strong, some challenges remain:
Security concerns. Protests, if escalated, could affect cities expected to host matches. Ensuring safety for players, officials, fans, and media will be essential.
Public perception. Some protesters have voiced discontent with the idea of hosting large sporting events while basic services are still under strain. Motsepe and CAF will likely need to manage both optics and empathy with citizen concerns.
Operational logistics. Finalising details will require close coordination with local authorities on things such as crowd control, transportation, accommodation, and emergency services.
What This Means for AFCON 2025
Assuming Motsepe’s plan holds:
24 national teams will compete across nine stadiums in six Moroccan cities.
The event will likely be held from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
CAF will rely heavily on Morocco’s government, public security apparatus, and local federations to ensure the tournament remains safe and well-run.
Final Thoughts
Motsepe’s message is clear: AFCON 2025 in Morocco is very much going ahead, regardless of unrest. For both CAF and the Moroccan government, the goal is to show that football can still move forward even amid wider social tension.
For players, fans, and nations across Africa, there remains much to do, but CAF’s confidence signals that they believe Morocco can still deliver. Whether the tournament will proceed entirely without incident is another question—one that will depend on planning, cooperation, and responsiveness to the concerns of citizens.
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