AFCON 2027: doubts persist over preparations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

Nine months before the kick-off of AFCON 2027, uncertainty continues to surround the progress of preparations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. According to an investigation by Le Monde, CAF may have sounded out several countries in anticipation of a possible replacement scenario, while its president Patrice Motsepe continues to publicly insist that there is “no Plan B or Plan C.”

AFCON 2027 is officially still assigned to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. However, delays observed on some infrastructure projects are causing concern within the Confederation of African Football.

Several countries may have been sounded out

According to Le Monde, CAF may have contacted several countries capable of hosting the competition if the East African trio ultimately failed to meet the requirements and timetable set out. Morocco, Algeria and South Africa are reportedly among the countries approached. Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire are also said to have been mentioned.

At this stage, these steps do not amount to a decision to relocate the competition. They have been reported as information-gathering efforts in preparation for a possible alternative scenario.

Delays under particularly close scrutiny

At the beginning of September, CAF carried out an eight-day inspection mission in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Its teams assessed the stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports and infrastructure required to organise the tournament.

Concerns particularly involve Kenya and Uganda, where several construction projects still need to progress before the competition. During his tour, Patrice Motsepe referred to a “situation of great urgency” and called on the host countries to accelerate the work.

Motsepe maintains CAF’s official position

Despite these concerns, CAF’s official position has not changed. Patrice Motsepe has publicly dismissed the possibility of relocating AFCON 2027.

“There is no Plan B, there is no Plan C,” said the CAF president, reaffirming that the competition was to be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

A new inspection visit is scheduled for January 2027. It will allow CAF to assess the progress of the work and verify whether the infrastructure meets the requirements set for the competition.

At this stage, therefore, no official decision has been made to remove the hosting rights from the East African trio. The reported contacts with other countries are part of a precautionary scenario and do not constitute a CAF decision. AFCON 2027 remains scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The next inspections will be decisive in assessing the progress of the preparations.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations