September 27 – Algeria have withdrawn their bid to host one of two future Africa Cup of Nations finals on the eve of the vote, the country’s football association confirmed on Tuesday.
The North Africans were one of the candidates for hosting either the 2025 or 2027 tournament. On Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will award the hosting rights of the two finals.
In a statement, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) emphasised that it was embarking on a different approach to football development.
“The FAF will now focus its efforts on the reorganisation and revitalisation of football in Algeria, as it reiterates its unwavering commitment to the development of African football,” read the statement.
“On this occasion, the FAF extends its sincere thanks to the great family of African football for the understanding of its decision which in no way signifies a disengagement of Algeria from the king of sport on the continent.”
However, Morocco have reportedly pulled ahead in the race to land the 2025 tournament and to avoid a diplomatic embarrassment, the Algerians, who have strained relations with Morocco, may have pulled out. They had hosted the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year in a bid to strengthen their credentials.
CAF stripped Guinea of the 2025 finals in October and will name the replacement hosts as well as the 2027 hosts.
Senegal are favoured to be awarded the 2027 tournament. Botswana, Egypt, Senegal and a joint candidacy from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have submitted bids to host the 2027 tournament.
But whoever lands the 2027 finals, nothing will truly be set in stone as previous editions of the tournament have shown.
South Africa replaced Libya as hosts in 2013. Six years later, Egypt stepped in for Cameroon, who hosted the tournament in 2022, delayed by Covid-19. Next year, Ivory Coast will host the 2023 tournament that was rescheduled because of concerns over the country’s rainy season.
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