CAF Confirms Morocco Will Still Host AFCON 2025 Despite Nationwide Protests

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reaffirms Morocco’s hosting rights amid rising public unrest over government spending on stadiums and lack of social investment.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Morocco will remain the host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite ongoing protests across the country. Demonstrations have erupted in several Moroccan cities this month, with citizens expressing anger over government spending priorities  particularly on football infrastructure.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe, speaking at a press conference following the body’s annual general assembly, stated firmly that there are no plans to relocate the tournament. “Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B, and Morocco is plan C,” Motsepe declared, underlining CAF’s unwavering commitment to Morocco’s hosting role.

Protests Triggered by Economic Frustration

The recent wave of protests has been organized primarily by an online youth movement known as Gen Z 212, named after Morocco’s country code. The demonstrations, spanning more than a dozen cities, reflect mounting frustration among young Moroccans over what they describe as a lack of job opportunities and underfunded health and education systems.

Protesters have voiced their discontent through slogans like “There are stadiums, but where are the hospitals?”  a pointed critique of the government’s focus on sports infrastructure while basic social needs remain unmet.

Sports and Social Priorities Clash

Morocco’s heavy investment in sports facilities has sparked a national debate over priorities. The government is spending billions on preparations for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

While officials view these projects as a means to boost tourism, create jobs, and showcase Morocco’s growing influence in global sports, many citizens see the expenditure as extravagant given ongoing struggles with unemployment and inequality.

The protests have drawn significant attention online, with social media amplifying the movement’s message. High-profile footballers such as Sofyan Amrabat and Yassine Bounou, both members of Morocco’s national team, have expressed solidarity with the protesters’ concerns.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

CAF Confident in Morocco’s Readiness

Despite the political climate, CAF remains optimistic about Morocco’s ability to deliver a successful tournament. Motsepe reassured reporters that the confederation would “cooperate and work with the government and the Moroccan people to deliver the most successful Africa Cup of Nations in history.”

CAF’s confidence is bolstered by Morocco’s reputation as one of Africa’s most capable football nations in terms of infrastructure and organization. The country has previously hosted multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN), both of which were widely praised.

Massive Investment in Stadium Infrastructure

Morocco is undertaking an ambitious stadium development program as part of its joint World Cup hosting plan. The Grand Stade de Tanger is being expanded to seat 75,000 spectators, while the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat is being renovated to accommodate 70,000 fans.

The centerpiece of Morocco’s sports vision is the under-construction Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, expected to hold 115,000 spectators, making it the largest football stadium in the world once completed. This mega-stadium is also expected to host the 2030 World Cup final, further solidifying Morocco’s place on the global football stage.

Government and CAF Partnership

CAF’s first vice president, Fouzi Lekjaa, who also serves as Morocco’s football chief and an economic adviser to the government, plays a central role in coordinating preparations. The Moroccan government is helping fund a significant portion of the $5 billion budget earmarked for World Cup-related infrastructure and national development projects.

Motsepe praised the partnership between CAF and Morocco, noting that the country’s leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to African football. “Morocco’s track record speaks for itself,” he said. “We have full faith that the 2025 AFCON will be one of the best in the history of the competition.”

Morocco’s Global Football Ambitions

Two years ago, CAF selected Morocco to replace Guinea as the host nation for AFCON 2025 after Guinea failed to meet readiness deadlines. The decision was seen as a nod to Morocco’s proven capacity to manage large-scale tournaments.

The upcoming AFCON, set to kick off on December 21, 2025, will feature 24 teams competing over four weeks, bringing together Africa’s best footballing nations. The event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors and inject millions of dollars into the local economy  if political stability is maintained.

A Balancing Act for Morocco

The protests present a major challenge for the Moroccan government, which must balance its global sporting ambitions with the pressing needs of its population. While CAF remains confident, the success of AFCON 2025 may ultimately depend on the government’s ability to address social grievances and foster unity ahead of the tournament.

Observers note that Morocco’s handling of this unrest could shape not only the outcome of AFCON 2025 but also the country’s image as a reliable global host leading up to the 2030 World Cup.

About The Author