Since FIFA announced the organization of the Club World Cup in June/July 2025, uncertainties have surrounded the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco during the same period. Speculations are currently circulating about a possible decision by the Kingdom of Mohammed VI to withdraw from hosting this African competition.
Indeed, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are exerting pressure on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to reschedule the AFCON 2025 final phase. The global and African football bodies are suggesting to Morocco to consider January 2025 or January 2026 for AFCON to facilitate the organization of the Club World Cup in its new format featuring 24 teams.
However, sources close to CAF suggest a potential withdrawal by the FRMF, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, from hosting the 35th edition of AFCON. This decision would not be motivated by the seasonal scheduling of the tournament or sporting considerations, but rather by a disagreement over the city of Laâyoune.
Morocco aims to include Laâyoune among the host cities of AFCON 2025, but CAF vehemently opposes this due to the sensitivity of the issue. CAF leaders fear that such a decision could anger the UN, which does not recognize Laâyoune as a Moroccan city, as well as Algeria, which might consider boycotting the tournament in response to a possible violation of international law.
It is evident that neither FIFA nor CAF wish to be embroiled in a new scandal in the football world. Hence, both organizations are exerting strong pressure on the FRMF and Fouzi Lekjaa to refrain from including a city in Western Sahara among the host cities of the continental tournament.
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