Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco one of five countries bidding to host 2025 CAN

Nigeria and Benin are the most recent nations to jointly make a proposal to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, joining Morocco, Algeria, and probable host countries Zambia, Senegal, and South Africa.

As the bidding nations get ready to persuade CAF inspectors who will examine their stadiums and infrastructure from January 5 to 25 of next year before reaching a decision in February, applications to host the continent’s largest football championship ended on Friday.

Nigeria has hosted the CAN three times, but the West African nation’s ambition is being hampered by widespread outbreaks of crime and violence as it competes with the tiny neighboring Benin, which has never hosted a significant athletic event.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) mandates that candidates have a minimum of six stadiums, with two of those having a minimum seating capacity of 40,000 people and the remaining four having a minimum of 20,000 seats.

Guinea’s bid to host the CAN in 2025 was rejected by CAF in the latter part of October. According to CAF, “in the current situation, the infrastructure and equipment are not acceptable or ready” for Guinea to hold the CAN.

Morocco last hosted the event in 1988. Currently, six top-tier stadiums can be found in Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Fes, and Rabat, while five more are being renovated to meet modern world standards in Tetouan, Oujda, Laayoune, Nador, and Kenitra. Benefits from transportation and a thriving tourist sector also work in Morocco’s favor while bidding.

Additionally, Morocco has just been given the privilege of hosting the FIFA Club World Cup tournament in February. This is according to the International Football Associations (FIFA).

The Club World Cup finals were hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in 2013–2014, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid winning the competition, respectively.