CAF President Patrice Motsepe has criticised what he described as “misinformation” surrounding preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, Motsepe acknowledged that the three host nations still have significant work to complete but rejected suggestions that concerns over infrastructure could force CAF to relocate the tournament.
“Many of you see these negative media reports, and I think some of them are misinformation,” Motsepe said.
The CAF president argued that some of the reported shortcomings had been exaggerated, creating what he believes is an inaccurate impression of the overall state of preparations.
“The deficiencies are being exacerbated; the areas that require improvement are being exacerbated, and it creates a wrong perception,” he added.
Despite his concerns over some media reports, Motsepe stressed that CAF welcomes scrutiny from journalists and encouraged the media to highlight areas where the football governing body and the host nations need to improve.
“Criticise us and make sure that they make us aware of our failures and our deficiencies. It’s very important. We need that,” he said.
Motsepe also called on the media to report on the progress being made by the three host countries.
“What we would also request is where there’s good work that’s happening in Tanzania, say so,” he added.
Motsepe maintained that CAF has no alternative plan to move the 2027 AFCON, with preparations continuing across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
CAF will continue monitoring the development of stadiums, training facilities and other key infrastructure, with Motsepe expected to return to the region in January 2027 for a further assessment ahead of the tournament.
The 2027 AFCON, officially referred to as Pamoja 2027, is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
