National Teams
FIFA President proposes new Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations date
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Fifa President Gianni Infantino has suggested a change in the month for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Morocco in 2025.
The 2023 AFCON which was the 34th edition of the tournament broke on and off-field records, including television viewership, commercial and sponsorship successes highlight arguably the best AFCON tournament.
During the winners’ ceremony, Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa was handed the host country’s flag for the 35th edition, scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2025.
Lekjaa was seen having a conversation with FIFA President Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe on the sidelines.
According to Moroccoan tabliod Kooora, it was during this discussion that Infantino proposed two possible options for the next AFCON: hosting it in March 2025 or postponing it to January 2026.
It is further reported that Infantino is keen on a prompt decision to allow adjustments to football schedules if necessary and to discuss the way forward with other international stakeholders.
Teams especially the Northern Africa sides have complained that the harsh weather in Cote d’Ivoire affected their performances which favoured the West African teams.
Two West African teams, Cote D’Ivoire and Nigeria reached the final of the tournament.
This has been a debate for the AFCON to be shifted from January/ February to June/July.
