The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has expressed firm confidence that Morocco will successfully host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite recent widespread anti-government protests. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine venues in Morocco with 24 national teams participating.
The protests, mainly driven by young Moroccan activists under the banner Gen Z 212, revolve around government spending priorities. Protesters accuse authorities of allocating billions of dollars toward building and renovating sporting infrastructure, including stadiums for the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting, while neglecting essential public services such as healthcare and education. Slogans like “We want hospitals, not stadiums” have been prominent in the demonstrations.
The demonstrations began on September 27, 2025, and have evolved into some of the largest youth-led protests since the 2011-2012 Moroccan uprisings. The protests include demands for improved social services and economic opportunities amid high youth unemployment and allegations of corruption.
Speaking at the CAF Congress in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Motsepe stated, “Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C. CAF will cooperate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history.”
Security forces in Morocco have implemented measures to maintain order, but human rights organizations have criticized the handling of the protests, including reports of arrests and use of force. Despite the unrest, CAF leadership and FIFA officials remain steadfast in their support for Morocco as the host nation.
The tournament will feature prominent African football stars and promises to be a major sporting event on the continent. The CAF leadership’s commitment aims to ensure that the AFCON goes on as planned, providing an opportunity for celebration amidst the complex socio-political backdrop in Morocco.
