Confederation of African Football president Dr Patrice Motsepe has dismissed rumours that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be moved from its East African co-hosts due to concerns over preparations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Motsepe insisted the tournament will go ahead as planned in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
"I was told a few weeks ago, 'President Motsepe, Tanzania will never be ready to host the AFCON in 2027. I have to start thinking about Plan B and Plan C,'" Motsepe told journalists.
"From CAF's perspective and personally, there is never going to be Plan B or Plan C, and never will there be."
His comments come amid concerns about infrastructure readiness across the three nations. While expressing confidence in the hosts, Motsepe acknowledged that preparations are falling behind in some areas and that infrastructure work needs to be accelerated.
He said doubting the region's ability to host the tournament was doubting Africa's capability to deliver a world-class competition.
"If the starting point is that Tanzania will not be ready, then you are saying we as Africans don't have the capability and ability to be on time with integrity and host a world-class AFCON, and I'm deeply committed," he said.
CAF has deployed a 21-member expert delegation across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to monitor progress on stadiums, training facilities and other infrastructure.
Motsepe confirmed he will return to the region in January 2027 for a final assessment ahead of the tournament.
Fan Reactions (0)