AFCON 2025: The European Union becomes the competition's new sponsor! (Official)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stunned everyone this week by announcing a major new sponsor for the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025: the European Union.

Already partnered with the French company TotalEnergies, AFCON 2025—which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026—will now also enjoy the financial backing of the EU.

The agreement, made official by a CAF press release, also covers the 2027 edition, scheduled to be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as well as the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (July 5–26) and the African Schools Football Championship.

A historic partnership that gets people talking!

This landmark deal was signed in Cairo by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.

According to Motsepe, this commitment "symbolizes the shared ambition to strengthen African football at every level, while also fostering cultural and economic ties between Africa and Europe."

However, this move is already raising questions. CAF, already criticized for its close ties with FIFA, could find itself at the center of fresh controversy.

This unexpected sponsorship is likely to reignite the debate over the independence of African football.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.