CAIRO (AP) – Morocco’s desire to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in two weeks has been called into question, with the Confederation of African Football saying it would clarify the matter within days.
“Several discussions have taken place over several weeks. This issue has received urgent and high-level attention,” Luxo September, CAF’s head of communications, said on social network X on Wednesday.
Morocco is scheduled to host the tournament three times in a row from March 17th to April 3rd, but there are persistent reports of its withdrawal despite being the CAF president. Patrice Motsepe, statement on February 13th The 16th tournament will be held in the kingdom as planned.
“We still have a contract with Morocco,” Motsepe said at the time, ruling out any possibility of rescheduling the tournament as it also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
South Africa had previously offered to take part as hosts.
On Wednesday, South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie criticized Morocco for leaving the hosting of the tournament in doubt 13 days before the start.
“If Morocco, which has had a great AFCON, is ready to host WAFCON, then so be it. But if they are not ready, we say to them: We are not a country without stadiums, we are not a country with less infrastructure. We will never be held hostage by a country that has less than what we have,” McKenzie said. “We will not tolerate women being treated like that.”
cafe Tournament expanded to 16 teams The sudden decision was made in November.
Nigeria is defending champion This was after their comeback, defeating Morocco 3-2 in last year’s final.
Morocco also lost in the men’s final. Africa Cup against Senegal In January.
Ambitious kingdoms also Co-host of the Men’s World Cup In 2030.
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