Patrice Motsepe: "African football must be among the best in the world"

The infrastructure and regional rotation criteria

Patrice Motsepe: Over the past 15 years we have seen top-level infrastructure emerge in Africa. That is what we want to build on. When it came to deciding the host countries for AFCON 2025 and 2027, we put that point first. We set very high standards for what we expect in terms of infrastructure. I also stressed rotation (of geographical zones, editor's note). AFCON contributes to development and we must make sure every region of the continent can host an AFCON.

AFCON 2025 awarded to Morocco

Patrice Motsepe: There have been discussions over the past few days and decisions have been made. All the countries that were bidding to host AFCON 2025 announced their withdrawal in solidarity with Morocco, who are bidding to host the 2030 World Cup. Nigeria, Benin and Zambia pulled out so that Morocco could be the sole candidate, to strengthen their World Cup bid and to be ready if they are awarded it. That is why AFCON 2025 will be held in Morocco.

Read more: AFCON 2025 and 2027: Morocco and the Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania trio are the big winners

AFCON 2027 awarded to the trio Kenya - Uganda - Tanzania

Patrice Motsepe: We had debates about this award. The countries that put in bids submitted strong dossiers. I want to thank them for that, as well as their governments. This will be the first time in a very long while that the CECAFA region hosts AFCON. The last time was in Ethiopia. The beauty of it is that if you look at the presentations that were made, you have the heads of state of the three countries expressing their deep commitment to the hosting. We are very strict on freedom of movement between these countries, infrastructure support and cooperation (…) The three countries decided to come together in a joint bid because our standards are high. It takes hundreds of millions, even billions, to get the infrastructure up to level.

Uncertainty over Egypt's bid for 2027

Patrice Motsepe: Egypt did not submit a bid, because the country recently hosted an AFCON (in 2019, editor's note).

The AFCON dates

Patrice Motsepe: I can assure you that we are working with FIFA on this matter. AFCON 2023 was due to be held in June in Côte d'Ivoire, but was moved to January 2024 because of the rain. We will consult with FIFA and ensure that AFCON 2025 draws maximum attention to African football, because we want to promote it. We believe we have something special to share.

CAF's backing for Morocco's 2030 World Cup bid

Patrice Motsepe: The final vote will take place at FIFA. Our job is to make sure Africa acts as one. All 54 votes from the African continent will go to Morocco. It is a unanimous decision. We are also in talks with Europe about this bid so that it gathers as much support as possible (Portugal and Spain are bidding jointly with Morocco, editor's note). I remain optimistic and I think Morocco, who represent the African bid, will succeed (…) A lot of money will be invested in Morocco for AFCON, because it will help the World Cup bid. This bid for the 2030 World Cup is a bid for each of the 54 African nations.

The level of African football and the outlook

Patrice Motsepe: We want football in Africa to be among the best in the world. We were very proud of the results achieved by the African teams at the 2022 World Cup, who represented us with distinction. And there was Morocco's historic run, which filled us with pride. There is no doubt that one day an African team will win the World Cup. The future of African football has never been so bright and promising. The goal we have set ourselves is for an African country to win the World Cup. We will make sure more resources are invested in the development of African football and allow players and coaches to be better paid.