HIBAPRESS – MAP
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, confirmed today, Saturday in Rabat, that the African Cup of Nations (Morocco-2025) will remain the best version in the history of the competition in terms of infrastructure, transportation, hotels, stadiums, as well as training grounds.
On this occasion, the CAF President, during a press conference on the eve of the final match between Morocco and Senegal, expressed his sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
On the other hand, Mr. Motsepe stressed that the development of infrastructure is an indispensable condition for the development of football on the African continent.
He said in this regard, "African football must be the best in the world, and we must reach the highest levels of excellence," highlighting that his ambition "is reflected in the ability of the five regions of Africa to organize the African Cup of Nations, provided that the infrastructure meets the required standards."
He added that his goal relates to "establishing solid foundations for the development of African football, which will bear fruit in the coming years."
The CAF President also confirmed that the African Nations League competition will be held in 2029 with the participation of 54 countries.
He said in this regard, "Imagine Kenya against Tanzania, Ghana facing Nigeria, and Egypt against Morocco, Ivory Coast against Cameroon," referring to this new competition, which was announced last December in Rabat, highlighting that the best players will be present, due to its holding during the international break approved by the International Federation of Football (FIFA).
According to Motsepe, the adopted format will be based on regions, with all the winning teams at the regional level facing each other to win the title of this new championship.
He pointed out that "many countries wish to host the 2028 African Cup of Nations and the 2029 African Nations League competition," defending the idea of organizing the African Cup of Nations every four years.
In this context, Motsepe confirmed that "organizing the African Cup of Nations every four years is in the interest of African football. It is a carefully considered decision," stressing the independence of the decisions taken by the Confederation of African Football.
He said, "We, as Africans, must be liberated, and not believe that every decision we make is dictated by the International Federation of Football or Europe."
Regarding the performance of the referees during the 35th edition of the African Cup of Nations, the CAF President confirmed his confidence in African referees.
