With just a month remaining before the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the tournament’s host, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had awarded hosting rights to Ivory Coast in 2024, but on Wednesday, the Ivorian government instructed the country’s football federation to step down from its role.
In an official statement, FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo confirmed the decision:
“By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of FIF and President of COCAN U20, informs you that the Government has officially notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as the host of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.”
He further stated that the Executive Director communicated this decision to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“The President extends his deep gratitude to all involved in organizing the tournament and assures that further updates on CAF’s response will be communicated accordingly.”
While the government has not provided an official reason for the withdrawal, reports suggest that logistical challenges, infrastructure concerns, and financial constraints may have influenced the decision. Some sources claim the country is prioritizing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, both of which require significant resources.
Additionally, political instability and the lingering effects of the recently concluded 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) may have played a role in the government’s decision to pull out.
What Happens Next?
CAF now faces the urgent challenge of securing a new host nation with just weeks to go before the tournament kicks off. Several countries, including Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, are rumored to be potential replacements, given their existing football infrastructure and experience in hosting major competitions.
CAF is expected to make an official announcement on the new host country in the coming days. Meanwhile, national teams preparing for the tournament will be closely watching developments, as any change in venue could impact their travel and logistics.
Stay tuned for further updates as CAF works to resolve this situation.
