CAF confirms 2025 AFCON will proceed in Morocco despite protests

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has expressed his firm confidence that Morocco will successfully host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite the recent anti-government protests that have taken place across the country.

The North African nation is scheduled to stage the continent's premier football competition from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, featuring 24 national teams across nine venues.

Concerns about the tournament's stability have been raised due to ongoing demonstrations by groups, largely young Moroccans, who are protesting the government's spending priorities. 

The protesters accuse authorities of prioritizing billions in investment for infrastructure projects, including building and renovating stadiums for the 2025 AFCON and the co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, over essential public services like healthcare and education. Protesters have been heard chanting slogans such as, "We want hospitals, not stadiums."

Speaking at the CAF Congress in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, CAF President Motsepe reiterated the body’s commitment to Morocco as the host.

“We (CAF) are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned," Motsepe said. "Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C. CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history.”