The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved to shut down growing speculation that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be taken away from East Africa, insisting the tournament will go ahead as planned in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
CAF reaffirms trust in ‘Pamoja 2027’ hosts
Speaking at a news conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday 22 July, CAF president Patrice Motsepe gave a pointed update on preparations for the next edition of the continent’s showpiece competition.
In an accompanying statement, CAF said organisation of the 2027 finals, scheduled from 19 June to 17 July, is progressing “conformement au calendrier etabli” – “in line with the established timetable”.
The governing body highlighted what it described as the “engagement exemplaire” of the three host governments, saying Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are working closely with CAF teams to meet the full range of hosting requirements.
Current workstreams cover stadium construction and upgrades, training facilities, hotel capacity, transport networks, security arrangements, medical infrastructure, broadcast technology and wider telecommunications.
Rumours of Morocco rescue role dismissed
CAF’s intervention runs counter to a wave of recent reports suggesting serious delays, particularly in Kenya, could force a relocation of the tournament less than a year before kick-off.
Speculation intensified after Moroccan outlet Soccer212 claimed CAF was privately pleading with Morocco to step in as emergency host because of slow progress in the three East African nations.
Those claims revived concerns already raised when a CAF delegation travelled to Uganda at the end of April to push forward several key projects. A major review of the works is scheduled for August, in what is seen as a crucial milestone for the joint bid known as “Pamoja 2027”.
The statement published on Wednesday does not explicitly deny that any contact has taken place with Morocco. However, it is framed as a fresh, formal confirmation that the Pamoja 2027 project remains in place and is, for now, non-negotiable.
Motsepe’s hard line on relocation
Motsepe has previously taken a firm public stance against moving the tournament. As far back as February, the CAF president was unequivocal, saying he did not want to hear any further talk of a potential switch of host countries.
His latest remarks are designed to steady nerves around the first Afcon to be staged in East Africa in decades, and the first ever to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Morocco, frequently mentioned as Africa’s most infrastructure-ready back‐up host, appears an unlikely alternative in any case. Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa has recently insisted that the kingdom will no longer submit bids to host future African competitions.
Key August inspection looms
With under 12 months to go, CAF is therefore continuing to project confidence in public about East Africa’s readiness, despite the swirl of rumours and criticism.
Officials acknowledge privately that August’s comprehensive inspection will be decisive. The visit is expected to assess whether the pace of stadium works, training sites, transport links and hotel developments is sufficient to deliver a tournament on time and to CAF standards.
For now, though, the message from Johannesburg is clear: the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations remains on course for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – and CAF is standing by its East African hosts.
