Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, has publicly clarified that the decision to postpone the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was made solely by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and not by Morocco. His statement came in response to growing controversy surrounding the tournament's postponement, which had drawn criticism from several African football stakeholders.
The minister emphasized that Morocco, as the designated host nation, had fulfilled its commitments and that any scheduling decisions were entirely within CAF's jurisdiction. He sought to distance the Moroccan government from the backlash that followed the announcement of the delay.
The postponement of the Women's AFCON 2026 has sparked debate across the continent, with critics questioning the timing and the lack of transparent communication from football authorities. Women's football advocates have expressed concern that the delay could disrupt player preparation and the development of the women's game in Africa.
CAF has not yet issued a detailed public explanation for the postponement. Morocco, which is also co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, has been investing heavily in football infrastructure, making the WAFCON delay a sensitive issue for the kingdom's sporting image.
