The Confederation of African Football (CAF) says the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will not be postponed despite concerns over preparations in Kenya.
Kenya will co-host the tournament with Tanzania and Uganda.
The Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON, is Africa’s main international men’s football tournament.
AFCON 2027 is scheduled to begin on June 19, with the final set for July 17.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has called for faster preparations ahead of the tournament.
CAF calls for faster AFCON 2027 preparations
Motsepe visited Kenya on Friday to inspect preparations.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, he said there had been good progress.
However, he said some facilities still need improvement.
CAF wants stadiums, training pitches, hotels, roads and other facilities to meet its standards.
The organisation also wants stadiums ready for testing early next year.
Despite the remaining work, Motsepe said postponement was not being considered.
“There isn’t the slightest consideration of a postponement,” he told BBC Sport Africa.
Kenya works to complete stadiums
During his visit, Motsepe inspected two stadiums in Nairobi.
They were Kasarani Stadium and the new Talanta Stadium.
Talanta Stadium is being built with a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
However, BBC Sport Africa reported that Kasarani Stadium and its training facilities remain an area of concern.
The stadium’s playing surface has not yet been laid.
Work is also needed on broadcast cabling, floodlights and other facilities.
In addition, some areas need changes to meet security requirements.
Kenya aims to finish work by December
Kenya says it will speed up preparations.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government plans to complete the required work by December.
This would allow test matches to take place before the tournament.
Motsepe is expected to return to East Africa in January for another assessment.
Kenya prepares for major sporting events
AFCON 2027 is also part of Kenya’s wider plans to host major international sporting events.
Nairobi is set to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Kasarani Stadium is expected to play an important role in that event.
Mvurya said hosting AFCON could also benefit Kenya’s tourism industry and economy.
For now, CAF says the AFCON 2027 schedule remains unchanged.
However, the coming months will be important as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda work to complete their preparations.