CAF Backs Morocco Amid AFCON Controversy and World Cup Build-Up
The Confederation of African Football has come under scrutiny following controversy over the AFCON final outcome and allegations of bias toward Morocco, even as it reaffirmed confidence in the nation’s capability to host major tournaments
The Confederation of African Football, after releasing a scathing report on the unpreparedness of Uganda ahead of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, is now again grabbing attention for its views on Morocco.
The heated controversy surrounding the organisation regarding the AFCON 2025 finals has once again resurfaced as the CAF appointed Morocco as the host of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations this year.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe says many African countries avoid bidding to host tournaments because they fear financial losses.
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) March 29, 2026
As a result, Morocco 🇲🇦 often steps in, even for less profitable events like the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations or futsal championships.
Motsepe said… pic.twitter.com/jfMjhQ0CyP
Details of the controversy that caught CAF
The point of contention throughout the media was regarding the CAF's stand in the proclamation of the winner in the final match between Senegal and Morocco. The former had scored 1 against Morocco in extra time, in spite of which Morocco emerged as the victorious country, which raised concerns of partiality on the part of the federation. Claims were made that Morocco, giving the base to host major matches, has formed a bias for the country over others in the confederation.
“I can stand here and say we’ve got the best referees, they are independent, they’re impartial. But if the ordinary football spectators on the continent and elsewhere think they are not so impartial, it’s not good for African football,” Motsepe said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has made a formal statement on the potential of Moroccan sports infrastructure to host major upcoming events. He focused on the country having stellar stadiums as well as indoor sporting arenas with infrastructure capable of handling massive footfalls.
Facilities like the Grand Stade Hassan II, located in Casablanca, are designed to accommodate a spectator capacity of 115,000 seats, which makes it the largest stadium in the world after it is completed in 2028. Other complexes, like Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, are worthy of mention for having been rebuilt within 24 months, with a spectator capacity of 68,700 seats.
Ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 , Morocco is gearing up its sports infrastructure, whereby gaining the trust of CAF shall give the much-needed boost for its vision of sports-led development.
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