A member of the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Appeal Board has publicly distanced himself from the decision to strip Senegal of hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The member, whose identity has not been officially disclosed in recent reports, expressed disagreement with the process, highlighting internal dissent within CAF's judicial bodies.
CAF officially announced the reallocation of the 2025 tournament to Morocco in September 2024, citing Senegal's lack of preparedness. The decision followed an inspection visit and concerns over infrastructure delays. Morocco, which hosted the 2022 Women's AFCON and stepped in for the 2025 men's edition, is now the confirmed host.
The public criticism from an Appeal Board member is a rare display of internal disagreement over a major CAF decision. It underscores ongoing debates about governance and transparency within African football's governing body. The Senegalese football federation has previously expressed disappointment but accepted the decision.
As of March 2026, preparations for AFCON 2025 are underway in Morocco. The controversy highlights the challenges of hosting major tournaments in Africa, where infrastructure demands and tight timelines often create significant pressure on designated host nations.
