CAF President Motsepe Confident About CAN 2025 in Morocco Despite Ongoing Protests CAF President Motsepe Confident About CAN 2025 in Morocco Despite Ongoing Protests Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe in Cairo on March 12, 2025 KHALED DESOUKI / AFP In a bold declaration that has reverberated across the African football community, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has expressed absolute confidence that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will proceed as scheduled in Morocco, despite more than a week of sustained anti-government protests across the North African nation. The South African billionaire businessman made his emphatic statement during the annual gathering of African football leaders in Kinshasa on Monday, October 6, directly addressing concerns about the tournament’s viability amid growing social unrest in the host country. Unwavering Commitment Amid Political Turmoil “We are absolutely convinced that CAN will take place as planned,” Motsepe declared before an audience that included FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Morocco is Plan A, Morocco is Plan B, and Morocco is Plan C.” This triple affirmation underscores CAF’s determination to proceed with the tournament despite the challenging circumstances. The protests, now entering their second week, have seen young Moroccans taking to the streets for nine consecutive nights demanding an end to corruption and government change. Motsepe’s statement represents more than just routine reassurance—it’s a strategic positioning that acknowledges the political realities while asserting football’s continuity. “CAF will cooperate and work with the government and all Moroccan citizens to organize the most successful CAN in history,” he added, striking a diplomatic tone that recognizes all stakeholders in the process. The Tournament Timeline and Historical Context The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026, featuring 24 national teams competing across Moroccan venues. The extended schedule accommodates the expanded format that has become standard for the continental championship in recent years. This isn’t Morocco’s first rodeo when it comes to hosting major football events. The country previously hosted CAN in 1988, though in a much different era when the tournament featured only eight nations. The African football landscape has transformed dramatically since then, with the competition now representing one of the continent’s most significant sporting events. However, Morocco’s relationship with hosting duties hasn’t been without complications. In 2015, the country withdrew as hosts citing concerns about the Ebola virus outbreak affecting several African nations. That decision created significant logistical challenges for CAF and left lingering questions about Morocco’s reliability as a tournament host. The Protest Movement: GenZ 212’s Surprise Challenge The current wave of demonstrations has taken Moroccan authorities by surprise, both in its spontaneity and persistence. Organized under the banner of “GenZ 212” (referencing Morocco’s international dialing code), the movement has mobilized primarily young citizens demanding improved public services in health and education, along with broader governmental reforms. What makes these protests particularly noteworthy is their organic nature. Unlike previous movements that often had clear leadership structures or political affiliations, the current demonstrations appear to be driven largely through social media coordination and grassroots mobilization. This decentralized approach has made them both resilient and difficult for authorities to contain through traditional means. The timing couldn’t be more delicate for football authorities. With tournament preparations theoretically in their final stages—including venue preparations, security planning, and ticket sales infrastructure—the protests introduce significant uncertainty into an already complex logistical operation. Economic Stakes and Continental Implications The Africa Cup of Nations represents more than just a sporting competition for host nations. The tournament brings substantial economic benefits through tourism, infrastructure development, and global broadcasting rights. For Morocco, successfully hosting CAN 2025 would reinforce its position as a modern, stable nation capable of organizing major international events. This comes at a crucial moment for African football as well. Under Motsepe’s leadership, CAF has been working to increase the commercial value and global prestige of its flagship tournament. Any disruption or relocation would represent a significant setback to these efforts, potentially affecting future broadcasting deals and sponsor confidence. The presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Kinshasa meeting underscores the international attention on the situation. FIFA has historically taken a cautious approach to tournaments in politically unstable environments, though African football authorities have generally shown more flexibility in navigating complex political landscapes. Logistical Challenges and Contingency Planning While Motsepe’s statement explicitly rules out a Plan B, experienced tournament organizers know that contingency planning is essential for events of this scale. The practical challenges are immense: ensuring security for teams and spectators, maintaining transportation infrastructure, and guaranteeing that protest activities don’t disrupt match schedules or fan experiences. Ticket sales represent another potential flashpoint. Previous reports indicated technical issues with advance ticket sales, though CAF officials have characterized these as routine glitches rather than symptoms of broader problems. If protests continue or intensify, consumer confidence in purchasing tickets and making travel plans could be affected. Then there’s the question of team participation. National football associations typically monitor security situations closely when sending teams to international competitions. While no teams have indicated withdrawal concerns publicly, private conversations among football officials likely include careful assessment of the evolving situation. The Diplomatic Balancing Act Motsepe’s comments reflect a delicate diplomatic position. By expressing full confidence in Morocco’s ability to host while acknowledging the need to work with “all Moroccan citizens,” he walks a fine line between supporting the host government and recognizing the legitimate concerns driving the protests. This approach contrasts with how international sports organizations have sometimes handled similar situations. The Olympic movement, for instance, has faced criticism for appearing too cozy with host governments while ignoring human rights concerns. CAF’s stance suggests an awareness of these pitfalls while maintaining focus on delivering a successful tournament. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this confidence is well-placed. If protests diminish and the political situation stabilizes, Motsepe’s bold pronouncement will look prescient. If unrest continues or escalates, CAF may face difficult decisions about whether to maintain its Morocco-only position. Historical Precedents and Lessons Learned African football has navigated political challenges before. The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola proceeded despite security concerns following a terrorist attack on the Togo national team. The 2019 tournament in Egypt took place amid ongoing political tensions. In each case, organizers implemented enhanced security measures and the tournaments concluded successfully. What makes the Morocco situation distinctive is the nature of the protests—widespread but largely peaceful, driven by economic concerns rather than armed conflict. This creates different challenges for organizers, who must balance the right to peaceful protest with ensuring uninterrupted tournament operations. The Moroccan government has extensive experience with major event security, having hosted numerous international gatherings in recent years. This expertise will be crucial in managing the intersection of protest activity and tournament logistics. Looking Ahead: The Path to December With approximately two months until the scheduled start, the window for resolution is narrowing but still sufficient. Football history is filled with tournaments that faced pre-event doubts but ultimately succeeded spectacularly. The coming weeks will reveal whether Motsepe’s confidence reflects inside knowledge of a resolution path or represents strategic optimism in the face of uncertainty. What’s clear is that CAF has placed all its chips on Morocco delivering a secure and successful tournament despite the current challenges. As the football world watches developments in Morocco, the ultimate test will be whether the beautiful game can transcend political divisions and provide the unifying celebration that has long been African football’s promise. The answer will become clear when the first whistle blows on December 21—if indeed it does in Morocco as planned. Source: Adapted from multiple reports including original coverage from Le Monde with AFP
2025-10-07