By Marcella Mwinkoma Babing
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly weighing the possibility of moving the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations from the joint Kenyan–Ugandan–Tanzanian bid to South Africa, amid growing concerns over stadium and infrastructure delays in the original host nations.
The tournament, initially awarded to the East Africa “Pamoja Bid” in September 2023, is scheduled for June 19–July 18, 2027, and would mark the first time three countries share hosting duties and the first AFCON in the CECAFA region since 1976.
Why CAF is eyeing a relocation
Recent inspection reports have highlighted serious shortfalls in stadium readiness, especially in Uganda, where none of the proposed venues,including the newly built Hoima City Stadium and the renovating Mandela National Stadium (Namboole),currently meet CAF Category 4 requirements.
The reports flag problems such as weak spectator segregation, inadequate media and player facilities, poor air‑conditioning in VIP areas, and drainage or operational gaps, all of which threaten the competition’s safety and quality standards.
CAF’s public stance versus behind‑the‑scenes concerns
Publicly, CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe has dismissed talk of relocating the 2027 AFCON, calling those reports “totally unfounded” and insisting the tournament will go ahead in East Africa.
However, internal assessments and leaks, including from African and international media, indicate that CAF is preparing contingency plans, with South Africa being lined up as a potential single‑country host if Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania fail to meet key deadlines.
South Africa as the backup option
South Africa already has Category 4‑standard stadiums, established transport links, and experience from hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 AFCON, making it a realistic fallback choice.
Countries like Morocco are also being floated in whispers around future AFCON hosts, but the 2027 edition is now widely seen as a stress test of East Africa’s ability to deliver a 24‑team, multi‑city event on time.
High stakes for East Africa
The East African trio has framed AFCON 2027 as a regional “game‑changer,” promising to leverage tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure upgrades. Streets across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania still buzz with hope that the original hosts retain the tournament, but the pressure is now on national governments and construction partners to deliver visible progress before the next round of CAF inspections.
What this means for the tournament
If stadium and venue upgrades remain below par by mid‑2026, CAF may be forced to override its current public line and move the event to South Africa, reshaping the narrative of an East African‑led AFCON into a more familiar South African‑hosted showpiece.
For fans, association officials, and city planners, the next 12–18 months will be decisive: either East Africa proves it can deliver a modern continental tournament, or the 2027 AFCON slips into the hands of a more routinely prepared host.
