Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe refrained from confirming the dates for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), slated for 2025, during a press conference in Abidjan.
Motsepe emphasized the current focus on Ivory Coast, where the ongoing AFCON concludes this weekend.
Traditionally held every two years, the current edition was delayed by six months due to concerns about the rainy season in West Africa.
The prospect of hosting the next AFCON in Morocco next year presents challenges.
Scheduling it in January and February poses difficulties in organizing a qualifying competition, as FIFA-sanctioned dates in June are dedicated to qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The Moroccan Football Federation suggested in a statement that the tournament would occur in “summer 2025.”
However, a June and July timeframe clashes with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in North America.
Delaying until 2026 may also be problematic, given that the first 48-team World Cup is scheduled for that year in North America.
Motsepe acknowledged the challenges of coordinating various events but expressed confidence that the AFCON in 2025 would be a success, stating, “We have to accommodate other competing competitions, but the AFCON next year is going to be an immense success, and we will make further announcements in due course.”