No plans to relocate 2025 AFCON, CAF assures despite Morocco protests

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe delivering the opening address at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, DR Congo, on October 6, 2025. (Photo: CAF)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Motsepe made the remarks amid protests organised by the youth-led GenZ 212 collective, which has staged demonstrations in more than a dozen cities calling for education and health reforms.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assured that Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as planned, dismissing concerns that recent nationwide protests could affect the tournament.

Speaking at CAF’s 47th General Assembly in Kinshasa, President Patrice Motsepe emphasised that there is no discussion of relocating the tournament, and organisers will work closely with the Moroccan government and citizens to ensure a smooth event.

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“Our position is very clear. Morocco is Plan A, Morocco is Plan B, Morocco is Plan C. We are absolutely confident that we, as CAF, will cooperate and work hand in hand with the government, the people and all citizens of Morocco to organise the most successful Africa Cup of Nations in the history of this competition,” Motsepe said.

“No discussion of withdrawal or relocation has ever been on the agenda.”

Motsepe made the remarks amid protests organised by the youth-led GenZ 212 collective, which has staged demonstrations in more than a dozen cities calling for education and health reforms. Protesters have criticised government spending on stadiums while public services remain underfunded, chanting slogans such as, “There are stadiums, but where are the hospitals?”

The Confederation’s president reiterated that the tournament will run as scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine stadiums and featuring 24 national teams.

“We are absolutely confident that CAF will cooperate and work with the government and the entire Moroccan people to deliver the most successful Africa Cup of Nations in the history of this competition,” Motsepe said.

CAF’s first vice president, Fouzi Lekjaa, also Morocco’s football chief and a government financial adviser, is helping fund part of the $5 billion budget linked to World Cup preparations. Morocco is building and renovating key stadiums for AFCON, including the expanded Grand Stade de Tanger (75,000 seats), Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (70,000 seats), and the new Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca (115,000 seats) expected to host the 2030 World Cup final.

The CAF president also highlighted plans to revive the African Football League, discontinued in 2023 after only one modified season.

“There are ongoing discussions. We are very happy about the progress made. The African Football League is very important and it will continue,” Motsepe said, without giving specific details.

Since taking office in 2021, Motsepe has overseen a financial turnaround at CAF, inheriting an organisation in debt. The 2023-24 financial year ended with a $9.48 million profit, and CAF projects a surplus of $28.45 million next year.

“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,” Motsepe said.

“What member associations get has doubled. We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa. We give $100,000 to each club that does not qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. It is not enough, but it helps with transport and other things.”

Morocco last hosted AFCON in 1988 and withdrew as hosts in 2015, citing Ebola fears. Despite current unrest, CAF’s leadership remains confident the 2025 edition will proceed without disruption.