Motsepe: AFCON 2027 Will Not Be Taken Away From Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe has ruled out moving the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations away from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, dismissing speculation that CAF could seek alternative hosts because of concerns over preparations.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, September 17, during an oversight visit ahead of the tournament, Motsepe said he had seen reports suggesting CAF should begin considering a “Plan B” or “Plan C” if the three East African countries fall behind schedule.

He rejected that possibility, saying that;

“Some people, based on what has already been reported by some media in Africa and other parts of the world, say the CAF president should start thinking about Plan B and Plan C and move AFCON away from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda,” Motsepe said. “That will not happen.”

His comments provide one of CAF’s clearest assurances yet that the continental football body remains committed to the joint East African hosting arrangement.

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda won the right to stage the tournament through the PAMOJA bid, with the 2027 edition set to become the first Africa Cup of Nations jointly hosted by three countries. CAF has scheduled the competition from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Motsepe, however, made clear that CAF’s commitment does not remove the urgency surrounding preparations.

“I am very proud of the good work that continues to be done in Tanzania,” he said, adding that with about nine months remaining, preparations must accelerate.

“We are here to work together, to assist and to provide support. This is our AFCON.”

His visit included an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and discussions with Tanzanian authorities about the progress of preparations. CAF said ahead of the visit that the inspections were intended to identify areas requiring additional attention and ensure infrastructure and operations meet its requirements.

Concerns over the pace of some infrastructure projects have fuelled speculation about whether all three countries would be ready in time. Motsepe acknowledged that work remains but argued that CAF and the host countries should concentrate on resolving shortcomings rather than considering replacement hosts.

The tournament represents a major undertaking for East Africa. Preparations extend beyond stadiums to training facilities, accommodation, transport, airports, security, broadcasting and movement between the three host countries. CAF and the three governments previously agreed to accelerate work after identifying August 2026 as an important readiness milestone.

CAF has also already begun the qualifying process, with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda automatically qualified as co-hosts. The opening qualifying matches are scheduled to begin later this month.

Motsepe’s latest intervention therefore settles, at least from CAF’s leadership, the immediate question over whether the tournament could be relocated.

For Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the issue now shifts back to delivery: completing the remaining work within the months available before East Africa welcomes the continent for AFCON 2027.