CAF Raises Fresh Doubts Over 2027 AFCON Hosts

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has raised fresh concerns about preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania facing pressure to complete outstanding infrastructure and logistical requirements.

The three East African countries are scheduled to jointly host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027. CAF recently conducted inspections across the three countries as part of its preparations for the competition.

Concerns have reportedly centred on the pace of infrastructure development, accommodation in some host cities and arrangements for a single visa system for travelling supporters and other tournament participants.

CAF officials who visited Uganda last week reportedly identified accommodation in some upcountry host cities as an area requiring further attention. Similar concerns have previously been raised about stadium readiness and other facilities in the three host countries.

The latest concerns come just months before the tournament is scheduled to begin, increasing pressure on the host nations to complete the required work.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has, however, maintained that the tournament remains scheduled to take place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

During his recent inspection tour, Motsepe said CAF was not considering an alternative host arrangement, while acknowledging that there was an urgent need to accelerate preparations.

CAF has also confirmed that its inspection programme will continue as it assesses stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports, transport arrangements and other facilities required for the tournament.

In an earlier inspection, CAF officials assessed the newly constructed Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, as well as facilities in Kampala and Dar es Salaam.

The continental football body said the inspections were intended to identify areas requiring further attention and ensure that preparations remained aligned with its operational, infrastructure and competition requirements.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly hosted the 2024 African Nations Championship, providing the three countries with experience in staging a major CAF tournament.

However, the 2027 AFCON will involve a larger number of teams and require significantly broader infrastructure and logistical arrangements.

The tournament will be the first Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in the CECAFA region since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.

With less than nine months remaining before the scheduled opening match, CAF is expected to continue monitoring preparations closely.

The host countries will need to address the outstanding issues identified during inspections as they work towards ensuring that stadiums, accommodation, transport and other facilities are ready before the tournament begins.