The 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON initially scheduled for Côte d’Ivoire next June will now be held in January and February 2024 due to the concerns over the rainy season in the country.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, made the announcement at a press conference held in Morocco on Sunday, July 3.
“The 2023 AFCON will now be played between January and February 2024,” Motsepe told the media.
“This is one of the issues we discussed during our congress meeting here in Morocco and the official dates will be communicated later.
“It is after deliberations we came into the decision, we have partners and even though we make decisions, it is out of respect that we take the advice we are getting that we cannot take a risk (to host the tournament) and so that is why we have made the necessary announcement.
“It is not good for African football to play a tournament that can be washed out, it is not good for Africa and the continent at large and so we have to postpone it.”
Motsepe, however, lauded Ivory Coast for the preparations they have already put in place to stage the tournament.
“I am happy and impressed with the infrastructure put in place by Ivory Coast in readiness for the tournament and I am sure they will host a very good tournament,” Motsepe continued.
He also announced changes in Champions League and Confederation Cup finals while the continent football ruling body also confirmed the host nations for the CAF Women’s Champions League, Futsal Football among others.
Aside the decision to postpone the 2023 AFCON, the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup finals were reverted to home and away format.
CAF confirmed that the second edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League will hold also in Morocco in October; Mozambique will host Futsal AFCON while Beach Soccer AFCON has been awarded to Egypt.
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