The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will proceed as planned in East Africa, football’s continental chief confirmed Friday.
Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, dismissed speculation the tournament would be delayed or relocated.
Speaking after a CAF executive committee meeting, he said Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya remain ready to host.
He confirmed the tournament will be staged in June and July 2027, with exact dates to be announced soon.
Reports in The Guardian claimed the event would be scrapped and shifted to 2028, a suggestion Motsepe rejected.
He described claims that East African hosts were unprepared as “totally unfounded” and misleading.
Motsepe predicted the competition would be “enormously successful,” casting East Africa as a rising football powerhouse.
If held as scheduled, it would mark the first time since 2013 the tournament has not been moved from its original host.
Motsepe also confirmed the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will proceed in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
He rejected reports Morocco sought to withdraw, noting the dates are fixed as qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup.
“Morocco came to assist,” he said, adding other nations had expressed interest but wanted revised dates.
Reflecting on last month’s men’s tournament in Morocco, Motsepe praised it as the most successful in the competition’s history.
However, he acknowledged violent disturbances during the final, calling the scenes “very embarrassing” and unacceptable.
On-field clashes between stewards and Senegal fans disrupted the showpiece, casting a brief shadow over celebrations.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final.
Motsepe declined to discuss ongoing disciplinary proceedings but indicated appeals may reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport.