The African Cup of Nations, the continent's most prestigious football tournament, faces unprecedented uncertainty as civil unrest in Morocco threatens to derail the 2025 edition.
In an exclusive revelation, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed serious concerns about Morocco's ability to host the competition amid growing political instability and widespread protests.
Tournament in Peril
The situation has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with Motsepe acknowledging that CAF is actively monitoring the volatile climate in the North African nation. "We are watching the situation in Morocco very closely," the football chief stated, marking his first public comments on the brewing crisis.
Morocco, which was awarded hosting rights for the 2025 tournament, has been rocked by mass demonstrations and social upheaval, creating an environment that football authorities fear could compromise the safety and smooth running of the continent's showpiece event.
Contingency Plans Activated
Sources within CAF reveal that emergency protocols have been initiated, with officials exploring alternative hosting scenarios should the Moroccan situation fail to stabilise. The football governing body finds itself in a race against time to secure the tournament's future.
The timing couldn't be worse for African football, with AFCON having grown significantly in prestige and commercial value in recent years. Any disruption would represent a massive blow to the continent's football development and economic prospects.
Historical Precedent
This isn't the first time political issues have threatened African football's crown jewel. The tournament has faced similar challenges in the past, but never with such immediate proximity to the scheduled event.
Football fans across Africa now face an anxious wait as CAF navigates this diplomatic minefield, balancing sporting considerations against very real security concerns in one of the continent's football strongholds.
