‘No Plan B’: CAF Chief Motsepe Rules Out AFCON 2027 Switch

By UG Diplomat Sports Desk

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his confidence that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will successfully host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, dismissing speculation that the tournament could be moved to another country.

Speaking at a press conference in Tanzania on Thursday, Motsepe acknowledged that preparations still face challenges, particularly around infrastructure and facilities, but said CAF remains committed to working with the three East African hosts to meet the required deadlines.

“There is no Plan B, there is no Plan C, there never will be a Plan B, there never will be a Plan C,” Motsepe said, according to reports from his press conference.

Motsepe said the remaining period before the tournament is critical, with only about nine months separating the region from the opening of the competition. He urged the host countries to accelerate work in areas where preparations have fallen behind.

“There will always be challenges and areas that require improvement, but we have to believe in ourselves as East Africans and Africans that we will work together and meet those deadlines,” he said.

CAF has been closely monitoring preparations. Earlier this month, a high-level delegation conducted an eight-day inspection across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, assessing stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports, transport, security and other tournament infrastructure.

Motsepe’s latest visit began in Tanzania, where he inspected the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and met government officials. He subsequently travelled to Kenya for further meetings and inspections. CAF said the visits are intended to identify areas requiring additional attention and ensure preparations remain aligned with its operational and infrastructure requirements.

The 2027 AFCON, branded PAMOJA 2027, is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027. It will be the first time the continental championship is jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The three countries have established a joint oversight mechanism with CAF to coordinate preparations, including infrastructure, transport, security, medical services and tournament operations.

While Motsepe’s comments provide a clear reaffirmation of CAF’s commitment to the East African hosts, his emphasis on accelerating preparations also underlines the pressure facing the three countries as the tournament approaches.

For Uganda, the tournament represents a major opportunity to showcase its sporting, tourism and hospitality infrastructure on a continental stage, while working with its neighbours on the first three-country AFCON hosting arrangement.