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CAF Reaffirms Morocco as Sole AFCON 2025 Host Despite Street Protests

Motsepe cites improved CAF finances, promising cooperation with Moroccan authorities.

People take part in a youth led protest against corruption and calling for healthcare and education reform, in Rabat, Morocco, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
People take part in a youth led protest against corruption and calling for healthcare and education reform, in Rabat, Morocco, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)
South African billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe became president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2021.

Overview

  • CAF president Patrice Motsepe said in Kinshasa that Morocco remains the only host for AFCON 2025, declaring there is no alternative plan.
  • The tournament is set for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, with 24 teams playing across nine venues in Morocco.
  • Daily demonstrations led by youth activists in multiple cities have criticized stadium spending and social inequality, with the Gen Z 212 collective prominent and players such as Sofyan Amrabat and Yassine Bounou voicing support.
  • Morocco’s preparations include major stadium projects tied to AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, notably the proposed 115,000-seat Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca and upgrades in Tangier and Rabat.
  • Motsepe highlighted a CAF turnaround to profitability, citing a $9.48 million net profit for 2023–24, a forecast surplus next year, and revenues that he said have quadrupled.