The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally confirmed Morocco as the host nation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision follows a period of uncertainty after the original host, Guinea, was stripped of the rights in 2022 due to unpreparedness.
In related disciplinary news, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has been sanctioned by CAF. The federation received a fine and a suspension, which has since been provisionally lifted, related to the conduct of its national team during a previous qualifying match.
Former Senegal international and football pundit Habib Beye commented on the situation, stating the decision to award the tournament to Morocco was logical given the country's existing infrastructure and proven capability to host major events. He described the move as being made "on a green carpet," implying a smooth and uncontested transition.
The sanctions against Senegal stem from an incident where players, including star forward Sadio Mané, left the pitch during a 2023 AFCON qualifier against Benin, protesting a refereeing decision. The match was subsequently forfeited.
Morocco, which last hosted the tournament in 1988, is now preparing to stage the expanded 24-team competition in the summer of 2025.
