The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has formally withdrawn the country's bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision was communicated to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and cited the need for a new approach and strategic reconsideration of its football development plans.
In response, CAF announced it has reassigned the hosting rights for the 2025 tournament. While an official announcement of the new host nation is pending, multiple reports indicate that a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin is the favored candidate to take over.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the planning for the continental championship. Morocco had been the designated host since 2023, after CAF stripped Guinea of the rights due to infrastructure concerns. The 2027 edition of AFCON is still scheduled to be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
No specific reasons beyond the strategic reconsideration were detailed in the FRMF's official statement. The move follows Morocco's recent focus on hosting larger global events, including the successful 2030 FIFA World Cup bid, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
