Cote d'Ivoire withdraws as host of U-20 AFCON 2025, leaving CAF in limbo

In a surprising turn of events, Cote d'Ivoire announced late Tuesday its withdrawal from hosting the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, originally scheduled for April 26 to May 18, 2025. This decision has put the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in a difficult position.

Just weeks before the tournament's kickoff, the Ivorian government formally relinquished its role as host. In a statement, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced: «The President of the Ivorian Football Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Yacine Idriss Diallo, confirms that the government has officially notified FIF of its decision to withdraw from hosting the tournament».

The statement further noted, «Following the President's directives, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The President extends his deep gratitude to all those involved in the organizational efforts and affirms that all parties will be informed of CAF's decisions regarding this situation».

CAF had already conducted the tournament draw on February 13, 2025, at its headquarters in Cairo, placing Morocco in Group B alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.

The tournament was set to feature 13 national teams vying for continental glory and four qualification spots for the Under-20 World Cup in Chile 2025.