Motsepe addresses AFCON fears due to Morocco protests
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 07.10.25. | 10:54
The demonstrations which are taking place in Morocco have raised concerns over AFCON tournament
Youth-led protests demanding reforms to public healthcare and education are continuing and mane of the protesters have been arrested and two even killed. The protests, called by the online-based GenZ 212 group whose organisers remain unknown, also called on the kingdom's premier to resign. Recent reports of the deaths of eight pregnant women at a public hospital in Agadir have been a particular source of public outrage. The protesters were demanding that more hospitals should be build and not stadiums, referring to the Marocco’s preparation for AFCON. But, African football boss Patrice Motsepe said on Monday he is "absolutely confident" the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco.
Morocco will host the Cup of Nations (AFCON) from December 21 to January 18 at nine venues, with 24 national teams competing in the premier African football competition. Speaking during an annual gathering of African football bosses in Kinshasa, Confederation of African Football president Motsepe said: "CAF are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned. Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B and Morocco is plan C. CAF will co-operate and work with the government and all the citizens of Morocco to host the most successful AFCON in history" said Motsepe, a South African billionaire businessman to an audience which included FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
African football boss also talked about the financial state of this sport.
"We have been enormously successful in the last five years. Revenues have quadrupled. Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption is important. All the money goes into football development. What member associations get has doubled. We want to pay players more and help our national teams. Football must develop and grow in Africa. We give $100,000 to each club that does not qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. It is not enough, but helps with transport and other things" he said.
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