CAF addresses AFCON postponement concerns

CAF has addressed concerns that the political instability in West Africa could pose a threat to the hosting of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The instability comes due to the recent coup in Niger, which also saw the ousting of President Mohamed Bazoum. The AFCON is scheduled to take place from 13 January – 11 February 2024.

The 34th edition was initially scheduled for June to July this year but moved to 2024 due to weather concerns. The Country has a tropical climate, and June is the height of the rainy season.

CAF PLAYS DOWN FEARS OF AFCON POSTPONEMENT

Speaking on SuperSport TV Football Show Soccer Africa on Thursday, CAF Head of Broadcasting Services Luxolo September said they were keeping an eye on the developments in West Africa.

“Things are on track at the moment. But we are keeping an eye obviously on the political situation in that part of the world,” he said.

“Not only for Afcon but for club football. As you know, there is a club in Niger that has qualified for the preliminary stages. The organizing committee has also taken a decision in that matter that will be announced in the next couple of hours by CAF,” explained September.

PREPARATIONS ON TRACK FOR AFCON

“One of the things that happened as we finished the draw, the president of Ivory Coast, his excellency [Alassane Dramane Ouattara], came to meet the CAF president [Patrice Motsepe], together with Prime Minister [Patrick Achi] once again the president of CAF Dr Motsepe reassured the head of state that things are on track.

“There is only one plan for CAF, and that is Ivory Coast. The Prime Minister has been working very hard to ensure that operationally they deliver and we deliver what has to be the best Afcon,” he said.

“So they had a private meeting just after the draw. They went through some of the issues, and I can assure you that things are on track. The CAF team is in Abidjan as I speak.”

Meanwhile, the draw for the Africa Cup of Nations will be held on Thursday, 12 October 2023.

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