Although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the organization of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to a country, Algerian journalist Hafid Derradji believes this decision is temporary. According to him, CAF might eventually transfer the competition to Algeria.
In an article published on “Algérie maintenant” website, Derradji explains that CAF has given the designated countries for hosting CAN 2027 – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – until the end of 2025 to prepare their stadiums and infrastructure. If these conditions are not met, the hosting rights could be withdrawn.
The beIN Sports journalist points out that CAF, faced with the postponement of CAN 2025 in Morocco and the unpreparedness of the 2027 host countries, is already considering changing the location of CAN 2027. Algeria has emerged as the only nation capable of organizing a major competition in the short term.
Derradji lists Algeria’s newly developed world-class infrastructure, such as the renovated stadiums like Chahid Hamlaoui in Constantine and 19 Mai in Annaba, as well as new facilities like Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran and Hussein Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, recently inaugurated by the President.
In the conclusion of his article, Derradji surprises by stating that Algeria will decline CAF’s request to host CAN 2027. He indicates that Algeria, always ready to assist Africa in difficult times, will officially and publicly refuse this time.
According to Derradji, this refusal is not a denial of responsibility but a way to uphold honor. Algeria does not wait for hosting CAN to build infrastructure for its people; it is already committed to developing sports events to serve Arab and African youth. This decision aligns with Algeria’s values and principles, rejecting blackmail and immoral practices increasingly seen in political, economic, cultural, and sporting organizations worldwide.
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