CAF FLAGS DELAYS IN KENYA, UGANDA AFCON 2027 PREPARATIONS, RULES OUT HOST CHANGE

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is closely monitoring preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as concerns persist over delays in infrastructure projects in Kenya and Uganda.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are scheduled to jointly host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027, marking the return of AFCON to East Africa for the first time since 1976.

A recent CAF inspection identified areas requiring accelerated work, including stadium facilities and other tournament infrastructure. In Uganda, CAF also raised concerns over accommodation in some host cities and progress towards a single-visa arrangement for the three countries. 

CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged that some areas of preparation were behind schedule but said the organisation would work with the three host countries to address the outstanding issues. During his September visit to Kenya, he inspected the newly built Talanta Sports International Stadium and Kasarani Stadium. 

Reports published in recent days have suggested that CAF is examining contingency options should preparations fail to meet the required standards.

 However, CAF has not officially announced a change of hosts. Motsepe publicly said there was no Plan B or Plan C and expressed confidence in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. 

CAF's official communications continue to identify Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as the hosts, with the tournament's dates unchanged. The 2027 qualifiers are also currently being conducted on the basis that the finals will be held in the three East African countries. 

In short, concerns over delays are real and CAF is monitoring the situation closely, but reports of alternative hosting arrangements should currently be treated as contingency reporting rather than an official decision to move AFCON 2027.