Due to worries about the country’s rainy season, the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which was originally planned to take place in Côte d’Ivoire next June, will now be held in January and February 2024.
At a press conference held on July 3 in Morocco, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the news.
“The 2023 AFCON will now be played between January and February 2024,” Mostepe told the media.
“This is one of the issues we discussed during our congress meeting here in Morocco and the official dates will be communicated later.
“It is after deliberations we came into the decision, we have partners and even though we make decisions, it is out of respect that we take the advice we are getting that we cannot take a risk (to host the tournament) and so that is why we have made the necessary announcement today.
“It is not good for African football to play a tournament that can be washed out, it is not good for Africa and the continent at large and so we have to postpone it.”
However, Motsepe praised Ivory Coast for the preparations they have already made to host the competition.
“I am happy and impressed with the infrastructure put in place by Ivory Coast in readiness for the tournament and I am sure they will host a very good tournament,” Motsepe continued.
The continental football governing body also confirmed the host nations for the CAF Women’s Champions League, Futsal Football, among other competitions. He also announced adjustments to the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals.
The CAF announced that the second CAF Women’s Champions League will take place in Morocco as well in October, while Mozambique will host the Futsal AFCON and Egypt will host the Beach Soccer AFCON.
