CAN-2027: CAF puts an end to speculation and confirms its confidence in the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania trio

Amidst numerous speculations surrounding the organization of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has clarified its position. Despite rumors of a possible relocation of the competition, the governing body of African football maintains its confidence in the three co-host countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

At a press conference held this Wednesday, July 22nd in Johannesburg, CAF President Patrice Motsepe sought to reassure everyone regarding the progress of preparations. According to him, the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from June 19th to July 17th, is following the timeline established when the competition was awarded.

In an official statement, CAF emphasizes that the authorities of the three countries are continuing their efforts in close collaboration with its technical teams in order to meet the requirements imposed to host the biggest event in African football.

The work covers several strategic sectors, including the renovation and construction of stadiums, the development of training grounds, the development of hotel infrastructure, the improvement of transport networks, the strengthening of security, the installation of medical facilities, as well as technological installations and television broadcasting equipment.

This stance comes as several media outlets have been reporting in recent days significant delays in preparations, particularly in Kenya, fueling questions about the ability of the three countries to meet the deadlines.

Speculation has grown following the publication of information relayed by the Moroccan account Soccer212, claiming that the CAF had discreetly approached Morocco to take over the organization of the competition in the event of failure of the East African project.

Although CAF did not directly respond to these claims, it nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to the Pamoja 2027 project, a symbol of the first AFCON organized jointly by the three East African nations.

This is not the first time that Patrice Motsepe has dismissed rumors of relocation. Back in February, the South African official had already assured everyone that CAF remained fully committed to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Furthermore, the possibility of a transfer to Morocco seems to be losing credibility. The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, recently indicated that his country no longer plans to bid to host a new continental competition in the immediate future.

With less than a year to go before the start, the CAF is therefore adopting a decidedly optimistic tone. However, an inspection mission planned for August will allow for a concrete assessment of the progress of the construction projects and will verify whether the advances made are in line with the ambitions stated by the organizers.