African soccer leaders aren’t sure when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will happen because of a busy schedule
The 35th edition of the tournament is supposed to be in mid-year, but there’s a problem with scheduling because of FIFA’s Club World Cup in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025. Africa has four teams in the FIFA club event. Two of them are already qualified Al Ahly of Egypt and Wydad Casablanca from Morocco, the host of the 2025 AFCON. The other two places will be decided after the next African Champions League final in May.
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe said they have some dates for the 2025 Africa Cup, but it’s not clear where they fit into FIFA’s calendar for national team games. The current schedule doesn’t have an entry for the African championship in 2025. Motsepe said they’re confident they will find a suitable time, but there are many other competitions to consider.
The on going Africa Cup was moved from mid-year last year to avoid the rainy season in Ivory Coast, the host nation. This upset European clubs because they had to do without their African players during the tournament. Some players, like Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, got injured while playing for their national teams. Motsepe said the current tournament has been a success with nearly two billion people watching it globally since it started on January 13. He believes the next one will be even better.
However, Motsepe didn’t give any specific dates for the 2025 tournament in Morocco. He only said it will be excellent and successful. Morocco will also co-host the men’s World Cup in 2030 with Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The 2025 Africa Cup will be a big test for Morocco’s stadiums and organizing ability before the World Cup.
Motsepe said he will talk more about the 2025 Africa Cup after the current tournament in Ivory Coast. Right now, everyone’s focus is on the games happening in Ivory Coast.
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