Algeria Withdraw From 2025 AFCON Hosting Race

Algeria has withdrawn their intention to host the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) less than 24 hours before voting for the countries that will host the 2025 and 2027 editions of the tournament.

On Wednesday, September 27, member countries of the Confederation of African Football are expected to meet in Cairo, Egypt to decide on the country that will host the aforementioned editions of AFCON.

On Tuesday, September 26, the recently-elected president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Walid Sadi announced on national television the country’s decision to withdraw their bid to host 2023 AFCON.

He cited a “new approach to the football development strategy in Algeria” as justification for this decision.

The FAF further stated that it would “concentrate its efforts on the reorganization and revitalization of football in Algeria.”

Recall that Guinea was initially elected to host the 2025 edition of the tournament but the country lost the hosting rights in October 2022 due to infrastructure and facilities issues.

The final three contenders for 2025 AFCON are a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin, Zambia, and Morocco.

Among the contenders for 2027 AFCON are Senegal, Egypt, Botswana, and a joint East African proposal from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Senegal, the current AFCON champions, are the clear favorite to win the hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON, and it is anticipated that Morocco will be voted to take Guinea’s place.