Africa Cup of Nations

Tanzania
After Barcelona, Dodoma eyes Paris FC

With the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be staged for the first time across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, less than nine months away, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government is stepping up its sports diplomacy.

Djibouti
Football federation seeks new leader following Souleiman Waberi's dismissal

To avoid becoming bogged down in turmoil, the FDF's interim leadership is keen to see a swift succession process now that its president has been removed from office.

Palace Intrigues
Paul Biya, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, Martin Bouygues

Intrigues big and small: every Thursday, Africa Intelligence takes a peek into the corridors of power in Africa and beyond.

CameroonBiya postpones new Switzerland trip to host Albert II of Monaco

Central African RepublicTouadéra stands by French Ambassador Bruno Foucher

Ivory CoastMartin Bouygues, a no-show at the first lady's gala

Eritrea
National football team returns under tight conditions from Afwerki

The Eritrean authorities are irritated by players defecting during international trips and want more dual nationals or athletes playing abroad.

Ethiopia
Addis Ababa faces huge challenge to host 2028's Africa Cup of Nations

Ethiopia has submitted its bid to organise 2028's continental football tournament. Although the East African country is experiencing rapid economic growth, it has only one accredited stadium, while the situation in Tigray remains volatile.

Kenya
AFCON 2027 build-up falters as Ruto turns up the pressure

Major works have been stalled or slowed by the payment arrears the government is accumulating with its contractors in Nairobi. Some within the executive fear that the continental football competition may not be co-hosted by Kenya as planned.

Africa
How Infantino's FIFA re-election bid won backing

On 29 April in Vancouver, the CAF meeting was quickly wrapped up, with the assembly giving unanimous support to FIFA’s president. Despite unpopular reforms, CAF–FIFA relations are viewed as better than under Joseph “Sepp” Blatter.

Morocco
French venue management giant GL Events eyes major comeback

Building on the key role it played during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French company is looking to stake its claim in the organisation of the 2030 World Cup in Morocco. It is also eyeing the management of exhibition centres in Casablanca and Marrakesh.

Tunisia
Tunisian football boss Nasri spins his web across the continent

The FTF president has found himself the unwitting focus of attention amid the standoff between Morocco and Senegal. With a low profile at home, he cultivates relationships within CAF and amongst his North African counterparts.

Morocco
Football federation president Lekjaa switches tack with CAF

Long accustomed to playing the emergency back-up role for tournament organisation and the hosting of official matches for African countries, Morocco now wants the procedures for awarding continental tournaments to be better regulated.