Nairobi, Kenya — April 21, 2026 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dispatched a high-level delegation to Kampala, Uganda, as part of an intensive assessment of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosting preparations.
The delegation’s visit underscores the urgency surrounding the readiness of the joint hosts, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who have faced significant challenges in infrastructure, financing, and logistical planning.
The Kampala meetings, scheduled for April 22 and 23, will see the CAF delegation, led by Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, engage with representatives from the three nations’governments and national football associations.
The focus of the discussions will be on a comprehensive review of stadium and transport infrastructure, security planning, procurement, funding, media operations, ticketing, and commercial activities.
The assessment is crucial for ensuring that the hosting nations meet the stringent standards set by the CAF, with the delegation particularly concerned about the stadiums that must meet Category 4 standards. Inspections have revealed gaps in lighting, media infrastructure, and pitch quality at proposed venues, including Kenya’s Talanta Sports City Stadium and Kasarani Annex, and Tanzania’s Kasarani Stadium.
The delay in meeting these requirements has raised concerns about the financial and logistical preparedness of the host nations.
The CAF’s rigorous oversight is intended to accelerate progress and prevent last-minute setbacks, as the tournament approaches with less than two years remaining.
The outcome of this assessment is pivotal for the joint hosting bid, known as “Pamoja, “and could have implications for the hosting rights if the required standards are not met. Backup candidates such as Morocco or South Africa may emerge if the host nations fail to demonstrate significant progress during the follow-up inspections scheduled for August 2026.
The African Cup of Nations is a showcase event for the continent’s football talent and infrastructure, and the success of the 2027 AFCON is seen as a significant step in the region’s football development.
However, the current challenges threaten this ambition, and the host nations are under pressure to accelerate their preparations and meet the CAF’s standards.
As the assessment in Kampala unfolds, the future of football infrastructure in the region hangs in the balance, with the three nations working tirelessly to ensure the tournament’s success.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
—
By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Abderrahim Kabbour
