Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, has voiced strong confidence in Morocco’s readiness to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite the wave of anti-government protests sweeping across the country.
The North African nation is set to welcome 24 national teams for the continental showpiece from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine venues.
In recent weeks, growing demonstrations—mainly led by young Moroccans—have raised concerns about the stability of the tournament. Protesters argue that the government is pouring billions into stadium construction and infrastructure for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, while neglecting crucial sectors such as healthcare and education. Many have taken to the streets chanting, “We want hospitals, not stadiums.”
Addressing delegates at the CAF Congress in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, Motsepe reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support for Morocco’s hosting rights.
“We at CAF are fully confident that the 2025 AFCON will proceed as scheduled,” Motsepe declared. “Morocco is Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C. We will continue to collaborate with the Moroccan government and its people to deliver one of the most successful AFCON tournaments in history.”
