The clash between Algeria and Morocco to organize the 2025 African Cup of Nations is in full swing. While Algeria recently successfully hosted the Chan 2022 football competition, new accusations suggest Morocco could be chosen as the host for CAN 2025.
The journalist, Hafid Deradji, recently raised a scandal by claiming that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is continuing with its decision to nominate Morocco as host for 2025, despite the performance of Algeria in 2022. Moreover, a report from the Al-Watan dz site claims that CAF President Patrice Motsepe cheated the Algerians in the “Chan” final in Algeria in 2022.
Motsepe reportedly took advantage of the “naivety” of Algerian Football Federation (FAF) officials by delivering speeches praising Algeria and its achievements, while preparing his plan with Morocco’s Fouzi Lakjaa to bestow the honor of hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
According to Al-Watan dz, Motsepe had promised Lakjaa to give Morocco the honor last summer and then instructed CAF executive committee members to vote in favor of Morocco.
A recent FIFA meeting with the heads of local football federations in France revealed the “malicious” scheme by Motsepe and Lakjaa. According to a CAF source, the CAN 2025 file is now definitively settled between Morocco and Algeria.
Although CAF’s decision to give the honor of hosting CAN 2025 to Morocco is final, there is a glimmer of hope for Algeria. According to reports, Algeria could host the African Cup of Nations in 2029, after the 2027 edition was awarded to Nigeria and Benin.
In conclusion, the competition to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is fierce, and new accusations have been raised over CAF’s decision to appoint Morocco as host. Algeria’s continued efforts to host the competition appear to have so far failed to bear fruit, but there is still hope that the country could host the competition later in in the years to come.
