CAF Completely Assured AFCON Will Proceed Despite Protests in Morocco
Patrice Motsepe the head of African football stated on Monday he is entirely certain the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will proceed as scheduled in Morocco which has experienced daily anti government demonstrations for over seven days.
On Sunday young Moroccans gathered in the streets for the ninth consecutive night demanding an end to corruption and a new government.
Demonstrators have called for improvements in public services particularly in healthcare and education and expressed frustration regarding social disparities.
The Africa Cup of Nations is set to be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18 across nine locations featuring 24 national teams in the continent's top football tournament.
Notable players such as Mohamed Salah the Egyptian forward for Liverpool and Achraf Hakimi a defender for Paris Saint Germain representing Morocco are expected to take part.
Addressing the annual meeting of African football leaders in Kinshasa CAF President Motsepe declared We are fully assured that the AFCON will proceed exactly as scheduled.
He stated Morocco remains our primary secondary and tertiary option while addressing attendees including FIFA's leader Gianni Infantino.
Motsepe a South African business magnate added CAF will collaborate closely with Moroccan authorities and its people to deliver the most successful AFCON ever.
Morocco previously hosted the 1988 AFCON which featured eight teams and pulled out as host of the 2015 event due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
African Football League Vital for Growth
Motsepe mentioned CAF's intention to restart the African Football League which began with significant attention but was halted in 2023 following a significantly altered first season.
Originally planned with 24 teams each playing at least 14 matches and offering unprecedented prize funds the competition saw South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns claim victory in a reduced eight team event.
Motsepe noted Discussions are ongoing and we are pleased with the advancements The African Football League holds great significance and will persist though he provided no further information.
Upon taking over from Ahmed Ahmed in 2021 following FIFA's suspension of the Malagasy official for violations including disloyalty misuse of position and fund misallocation Motsepe assumed leadership of a CAF burdened by substantial debt.
He swiftly turned the situation around with Kinshasa recently announcing a net profit of $9.48 million for the 2023 24 fiscal year CAF forecasts a surplus of $28.45 million for the upcoming year.
The president stated We have achieved remarkable success over the past five years with revenues increasing fourfold Maintaining a strict stance against bribery and corruption is essential All funds are dedicated to football development.
He added Funding for member associations has doubled Our aim is to increase player compensation and support national teams Football in Africa must continue to evolve and expand.
Motsepe explained We provide $100,000 to every club failing to reach the group stage of both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup While this amount is insufficient it assists with travel and other expenses.