Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has publicly stated that Senegal was not originally intended to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), reigniting debate over the tournament's allocation. The admission came during a press briefing where Motsepe discussed the circumstances that led to Senegal being awarded the hosting rights.
Senegal was confirmed as the host for the 2025 AFCON in late 2022, following the withdrawal of Guinea. CAF stripped Guinea of hosting rights due to concerns over infrastructure and preparedness. Motsepe's recent comments suggest the decision to award the tournament to Senegal was made under expediency rather than as part of a long-term plan.
The statement has prompted reactions from football officials and analysts across the continent, questioning the transparency and planning of CAF's hosting selection process. It also raises pressure on Senegal to deliver a successful tournament with a relatively short preparation timeline compared to traditional hosts.
CAF has not provided further details on what the original plan for the 2025 edition entailed. The focus now shifts to Senegal's ongoing preparations, with the tournament scheduled for June and July 2025.
