AFCON 2027: CAF Begins Inspection of Key Facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Amid Postponement Reports

Amid reports that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be postponed, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is on an inspection tour of key facilities in East Africa.

Reports on Wednesday claimed CAF is mulling over moving next year’s tournament to 2028 because of fears that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania might not be ready in time with the proposal set to be discussed and possibly ratified during the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Tanzania on Friday.

However, as East Africa waits for that decision, CAF has already dispatched a team of technical experts who are in the region to assess key venues that will be used for the tournament with the inspection set to run until February 17.

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“These include technical assessments covering pitch requirements, as well as safety, security and infrastructure readiness at key match and training venues earmarked for use during the tournament,” reads part of a statement from CAF.

“CAF’s inspections form part of a broader strategy to raise standards on and off the pitch across African football. By driving consistent, world-class benchmarks in infrastructure, operations and venue management, CAF aims to enhance the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON’s reputation as among the leading football tournaments in the world.

“These efforts also support CAF’s wider objective of helping to build a stronger and more self-sustaining football ecosystem on the continent through partnerships with governments to improve facilities, delivery capability and long-term football development.”

Keen to ensure world-class delivery standards, the inspection started in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and will take the experts to Arusha and Zanzibar with the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and a number training venues set to be inspected in the country’s capital.

In Arusha, the CAF officials will look at the ongoing construction of Samia Suluhu Stadium while in Zanzibar, they will assess Amaan Stadium and Fumba stadiums.

Meanwhile, in Kenya, Talanta Stadium, which is still under construction, Kasarani Stadium, set to be closed for renovation, and Nyayo Stadium will be the facilities to be assessed as well as several designated training venues like Ulinzi Complex, Kenya Academy of Sports and Kenya Police Sacco grounds.

Inspection in Uganda will take the officials to Entebbe and Kampala, with visits to Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), Hoima City Stadium and designated training sites.