The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly dismissed claims that it is considering alternative hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, reaffirming that the tournament remains scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the PAMOJA project.
A senior CAF official reportedly told football journalist Micky Jnr that the continental governing body had not contacted Morocco, Algeria or South Africa over the possibility of taking over hosting responsibilities for the 2027 tournament.
According to the official, “nothing of this sort has been discussed.”
The development comes amid reports suggesting that CAF could be exploring alternative arrangements for the tournament because of concerns surrounding preparations in the three East African host countries.
However, CAF’s publicly documented position continues to point to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as the hosts.
CAF awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON to the three countries in September 2023, making the tournament the first edition of the Africa Cup of Nations to be jointly hosted by three nations.
CAF maintains confidence in PAMOJA 2027
The senior CAF figure also reiterated that CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe remains committed to the East African hosting plan.
CAF has continued to work with the three countries on preparations, including stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transport, security, medical services and broadcasting infrastructure.
In September, Motsepe met Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi to discuss preparations for AFCON 2027 and inspected facilities including the Talanta Sports International Stadium and Kasarani Stadium.
Earlier in May, CAF and football authorities from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda established the PAMOJA Oversight Committee to coordinate preparations and monitor the delivery of key tournament infrastructure and operational plans.
CAF has also formally scheduled the tournament for June 19 to July 17, 2027.
No official move to Morocco, Algeria or South Africa
The latest clarification means there is currently no indication from CAF that Morocco, Algeria or South Africa have been approached to replace the three East African nations.
The countries mentioned in the reports are all established African football nations with experience of hosting major continental competitions.
Morocco hosted the 2025 AFCON, while South Africa has previously hosted the tournament.
Algeria has also hosted major CAF competitions.
However, CAF’s published information on AFCON 2027 continues to identify Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as the co-hosts.
CAF’s latest preparations and qualifying information also refer to the competition as TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027.
The three host nations are also participating in the ongoing qualification campaign, although they have automatic places in the final tournament because of their hosting status.
CAF questions need for repeated denials
On whether CAF would release another formal statement to deny the reports, the senior official reportedly questioned how frequently the organisation could continue issuing statements in response to similar claims.
For now, the position communicated by CAF remains unchanged: AFCON 2027 is planned for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the PAMOJA project.
The tournament is expected to feature 24 teams and will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with the competition marking AFCON’s return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the tournament in 1976.
