CAF President Defies Unrest, Vows Morocco Will Host 2025 AFCON As Planned

According to Ireporter Online, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will proceed as planned in Morocco, despite widespread protests across the North African nation.

In recent days, thousands of young Moroccans have filled the streets demanding political reforms, condemning corruption, and decrying poor access to healthcare and education. The demonstrations, now running into their ninth consecutive night, have drawn international attention and raised concerns over the country’s readiness to host the continent’s premier football tournament.

Addressing a gathering of African football leaders in Kinshasa on Monday, Motsepe dismissed any fears of disruption. “We are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned. Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B, and Morocco is plan C,” he declared, emphasizing CAF’s unwavering faith in Morocco’s capacity to deliver a successful tournament.

Motsepe, who was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the event, assured that CAF remains in full partnership with the Moroccan government and its citizens. “CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history,” he stated.

The 2025 edition of the tournament is scheduled for December 21 to January 18, featuring 24 nations battling across nine venues for continental glory. The competition will showcase some of Africa’s brightest football talents, including Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.

This marks Morocco’s second time hosting the AFCON since 1988. The country had been slated to host the 2015 edition but withdrew amid fears surrounding the Ebola epidemic at the time.

Motsepe also touched on CAF’s financial progress and ongoing projects. Since assuming leadership in 2021, he has prioritized transparency and sustainability, revealing that CAF achieved a net profit of $9.48 million in the 2023–2024 financial year and anticipates a $28.45 million surplus in the next cycle.

“We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important. All the money goes into football development,” he said.

He further announced that funding for national associations has doubled, with $100,000 grants now extended to clubs that fail to reach the group stages of CAF competitions. Motsepe concluded by reiterating CAF’s vision for growth and inclusivity in African football: “We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa.”