The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) announced on Tuesday that it has withdrawn its bids to host the 2025 and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The announcement was made by newly elected FAF president Walid Sadi, who did not provide a reason for the decision.
Sadi was elected president of the FAF on Thursday, replacing Djahid Zefizef, who resigned in mid-July.
Prior to the announcement, Algerian media, including the Echorouk Online news website, reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would award the 2025 AFCON to Morocco and the 2027 AFCON to Senegal.
CAF will announce the two host countries for the 2025 and 2027 AFCONs on Wednesday, September 27, during an event in Cairo.
Possible reasons for Algeria’s withdrawal
There are a number of possible reasons for Algeria’s withdrawal from the bidding process.
One possibility is that the FAF was concerned about the financial costs of hosting the tournament. The AFCON is a major sporting event that requires significant investment in infrastructure and security.
Another possibility is that the FAF was not confident that it could meet the CAF’s requirements for hosting the tournament. The CAF has a number of criteria that host countries must meet, including the availability of suitable stadiums and hotels.
It is also possible that the FAF was simply not interested in hosting the tournament. Algeria has already hosted the AFCON once, in 1990.
Impact of Algeria’s withdrawal
Algeria’s withdrawal leaves three countries in the running to host the 2027 AFCON: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The CAF is expected to announce the host country for the 2027 AFCON on Wednesday.tunesharemore_vertadd_photo_alternate
