AFCON 2025: CAF Boss Patrice Motsepe’s Assurance Amid Morocco Unrest

Moroccan security forces deployed strategically in Rabat to maintain order and ensure public safety during a youth-led demonstration

AFCON 2025 in Morocco promises excitement despite unrest; CAF president Motsepe confident in hosting ‘the best ever’ tournament. Under Patrice Motsepe, CAF reports $9.48 million net profit (2023-24), predicts $28.45 million surplus next year, marking significant financial recovery.

“We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important...”

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe expressed unwavering optimism, stating he's "absolutely confident" that Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as planned, despite the country being gripped by daily anti-government protests for over a week. Motsepe's assurance comes amid heightened tensions in Morocco, where citizens have taken to the streets demanding reforms.

For nine consecutive nights, young Moroccans have participated in protests, voicing their grievances against corruption and calling for a change in government leadership. These demonstrations underscore the underlying social and political tensions within the country, raising questions about the potential impact on major events like AFCON.

Protesters have been calling for significant reforms in Morocco's social services, with particular focus on healthcare and education systems. Their demonstrations also underscore deep-seated frustrations about social inequality, reflecting widespread anger over disparities in society.

Morocco is gearing up to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from December 21 to January 18, with matches spread across nine venues. This premier African football tournament will see 24 national teams competing against each other, promising thrilling contests in the continent's top football showcase.

High-profile stars like Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian striker playing for Liverpool, and Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan defender with Paris Saint-Germain, are among the exciting players expected to feature in the tournament. Their participation adds allure to AFCON, bringing top-class talent to Morocco's hosting stage.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe delivered a resolute message during the annual gathering of African football bosses in Kinshasa, stating, “We (CAF) are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned.” He underscored Morocco's unwavering position as the host country, emphatically declaring, “Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C,” addressing an audience that included FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Motsepe's assertive stance comes amid ongoing protests in Morocco, where young demonstrators have taken to the streets for over a week, demanding reforms in social services, particularly healthcare and education, and expressing anger over social inequality. The CAF president's confidence isn't shaken, as he reiterated, “We are absolutely confident that we will, as CAF, cooperate, work together with the government... and all the people of Morocco to host the most successful (Cup of Nations) in the history of this competition.”

Speaking to quell speculation, Motsepe made it crystal clear that Morocco remains the definitive host for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with matches across nine venues. He expressed total faith in Morocco's capabilities, saying CAF will collaborate closely with the Moroccan government and the Royal Football Federation.

“CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history,” said Motsepe, a South African billionaire businessman.

Morocco previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1988, when the tournament featured just eight nations. Interestingly, they withdrew as hosts for the 2015 edition, citing concerns over the Ebola virus outbreak at the time. This historical context highlights Morocco's experience with hosting AFCON in the past, despite stepping back from hosting duties in 2015 due to health fears.

African Football League's Turbulent Past

The African Football League (AFL) was launched with significant fanfare but saw a abrupt halt after its inaugural 2023 edition, which deviated sharply from initial plans. Instead of featuring 24 teams playing at least 14 matches each and boasting record prize money, the tournament shrunk to just eight teams, with Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa emerging as champions.

Motsepe's Vision for Revival

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasizes the African Football League is “very important” and indicates CAF hopes to revive it. Speaking at an annual gathering of African football bosses in Kinshasa, Motsepe expressed confidence in the league's potential, though specifics remain unclear. His comments reflect aspirations to reinstate a competition initially meant to rival CAF's Champions League, showcasing Africa's top clubs.

Originally envisioned with 24 elite African clubs, promotion-relegation, and significant revenue generation (reportedly $100 million), the AFL's first edition in 2023 was an eight-team knockout won by Mamelodi Sundowns. Critics questioned its format and financial viability, contrasting with grand plans announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Motsepe. The competition hasn't featured since, and details have vanished from CAF's official website as of April 2025.

The AFL faced skepticism over unrealistic financial expectations and potential impacts on existing CAF tournaments like the Champions League. Stakeholders debated whether it deepens inequality in African football or offers growth opportunities. CAF's financial health has improved ($9.48 million profit in 2023-2024), with Motsepe pursuing a potential $1 billion marketing deal, signaling broader ambitions for African football.

“There are ongoing discussions. We are very happy about the progress made. The African Football League is very important and it will continue,” said Motsepe, without giving details.

Patrice Motsepe took over the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2021, inheriting an organization deep in debt. His predecessor, Ahmed Ahmed from Madagascar, was banned by FIFA due to breaches of loyalty, abuse of position, and misappropriation of funds, leaving CAF with significant financial challenges.

Motsepe swiftly turned things around, showcasing impressive leadership and business acumen. For the 2023-24 financial year, CAF announced a net profit of $9.48 million, a stark contrast to the deficits CAF faced previously. This turnaround reflects strategic reforms implemented under Motsepe's guidance, focusing on growing revenue streams like media rights and sponsorships.

Looking ahead, CAF predicts a surplus of $28.45 million next year, signaling continued financial health. This progress enables CAF to invest more in African football development, including increased financial support for member associations. Under Motsepe, annual subventions to member associations have doubled to $400,000, offering vital funding for national football activities.

Motsepe's achievements include organizing AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, which drew a record 1.4 billion viewers and generated $80 million in profit, the highest ever for the tournament. His re-election unopposed in March 2025 underscores confidence in his leadership, with stakeholders praising his stabilization of CAF's finances and elevation of African football's global profile.

“We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important. All the money goes into football development,” said the president.

“What member associations get has doubled. We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa.

“We give $100,000 to each club that does not qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. It is not enough, but helps with transport and other things.”