The race to host the African Cup of Nations (CAN) has just lost one of its most serious competitors. On the eve of the designation, announced for Wednesday 27 September, Algeria withdrew its dual bid. It was applying for the 2025 and 2027 editions. A press release from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) explained that an official letter had been sent to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to inform it of its decision, which was motivated by a new approach to development, more focused on the dynamism of the game than on hosting major events. The FAF’s decision comes at the same time as the arrival of a new president, Walid Sadi. For the 2025 edition of the CAN, Algeria was in competition with Morocco, Zambia and a joint bid submitted by Benin and Nigeria. For the 2027 edition of the CAN, the race was even tighter, with bids from Algeria, Senegal, Botswana, Egypt and a trio of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The CAF Executive Committee is due to meet this Wednesday in Cairo to award the two successive editions of the continental tournament. Barring any surprises, Morocco should be chosen for 2025 and Senegal for 2027.
