Algeria withdraws candidacy to host AFCON 2025 and 2027
In a surprising move, Algeria withdrew its candidacy to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and 2027, reports French news outlet, Radio France International (RFI), September 26.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed that they would not bid to host the competition in the years to come on September 26 in a letter sent to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The tournament takes place every two years and last took place in 2022 as Senegal came out victorious for the first time.
The last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which took place in Cameroon, was moved to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CAF was given a deadline (September 27) to elect a host nation for 2025 and 2027.
Following the news that the country would not host the upcoming continental tournaments, the Algerian Football Federation stated, “FAF will now focus its efforts on the reorganisation and revitalisation of football in Algeria, as well as reiterating its unwavering commitment to the development of African football”.
Algeria, who won the 2019 edition of AFCON, left its main North African rival, Morocco to put an uncontested bid in to host the CAN.
Quake-hit Morocco was the victim of the most destructive natural disaster the country has seen in 120 years. The earthquake struck the nation’s central region, killing around 3,000 people as well as causing the disappearance of thousands of Moroccans.
Despite the tragedy, Morocco were favourites to host Africa’s most watched sporting event, in 2025, undeterred by the candidacies of Zambia, Nigeria and Benin.
The Atlas Lions shocked the globe in 2022 as they reached the semi finals of the Qatar World Cup, ultimately losing 2-0 to France.
The North African country will host the 2025 edition whilst Kenya have been selected to host AFCON 2027.
RFI
