CAF ‘Absolutely Confident’ AFCON Will Go Ahead Despite Protests in Morocco

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed on Monday his firm confidence that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will proceed as planned in Morocco, despite ongoing anti-government demonstrations in the country.

Protests in Morocco

• Young Moroccans staged their ninth consecutive night of protests on Sunday, demanding an end to corruption and a change of government.
• Protesters have also called for reforms in social services, particularly in healthcare and education, while voicing frustration over social inequality.

Morocco is scheduled to host the AFCON from 21 December to 18 January across nine venues, featuring 24 national teams. High-profile players expected include:

CAF President’s Remarks

Speaking at an annual gathering of African football officials in Kinshasa, Motsepe said:

“We (CAF) are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned. Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C.”

He added:

“CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history.”

• Morocco previously hosted AFCON in 1988, when it was an eight-nation tournament.
• The country withdrew from hosting the 2015 edition due to Ebola virus concerns.

African Football League Revival

Motsepe also addressed plans to revive the African Football League (AFL), which had been discontinued in 2023 after only one radically changed edition:

• Initial plans included 24 entrants, minimum 14 matches per team, and record prize money for an African club competition.
• The first edition saw Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa win a scaled-down eight-team tournament.

“There are ongoing discussions. We are very happy about the progress made. The African Football League is very important and it will continue,” Motsepe said, without providing further details.

CAF’s Financial Recovery

Motsepe took over a financially troubled CAF in 2021, following the suspension of his predecessor Ahmed Ahmed by FIFA for breaches of loyalty, abuse of position, and misappropriation of funds.

• 2023-24 financial year: CAF announced a net profit of $9.48 million.
• Projected surplus for next year: $28.45 million.

Motsepe commented: “We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important. All the money goes into football development.”

• Financial support for member associations has doubled.
• CAF provides $100,000 to clubs that fail to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, to help with transport and other costs.

“We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa,” Motsepe said.

CAF’s assurances come amid heightened political tension in Morocco, but Motsepe emphasised that planning remains firmly on track to deliver a successful tournament and further strengthen African football.