The future of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (CAN) is still uncertain. Organized jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the next edition of the continental competition is still not guaranteed to be held on time.
Due, on the one hand, to the major security risks linked to the respective elections at this period in each country, but also to the slow pace of construction and renovation work on stadiums and reception infrastructure.
While the official dates were revealed earlier this month – the tournament will take place from June 19 to July 18 – the newspaper
The World indicates that a relocation is being considered by the African Football Confederation in view of the delays accumulated by the host countries.
CAN 2027 in South Africa?
According to information from the French newspaper, which was able to consult a report from the CAF, then on an inspection visit in February, several flaws cast doubt on the governing body regarding the holding of such an event. Particularly in Uganda, where none of the stadiums inspected “does not meet, to date, the requirements of category 4, i.e. the highest level of CAF approval », and in Kenya, which was the subject of a call to order regarding the renovations in progress.
For the moment, only Tanzania meets the requirements, despite certain shortcomings regarding “harmonization of reception and transport infrastructures” between the three countries. Enough to push CAF to think about a plan B, which could be to entrust the organization of CAN 2027 to South Africa while waiting for the host countries to complete the work while respecting standards and deadlines. The next edition would then be reserved for them.
