Changes for the Africa Cup of Nations

Meeting in the Executive Committee in Egypt, the South African leader validated a major reform of the continental tournament. The competition will increase from 24 participants, the format in force since the 2019 edition, to a cast of 28 nations divided into seven groups of four. While the date of application of this measure has not been specified, Patrice Motsepe has however confirmed that the 2027 edition will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, thus denying the rumors of delays due to the works.

On Bladi.net: Patrice Motsepe praises Morocco but passes the hot potato to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The press conference largely addressed the imbroglio surrounding the attribution of the 2025 AFCON title. On January 18th, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat, Senegal had defeated Morocco on the pitch (1-0) after extra time thanks to Pape Gueye. However, the Appeals Committee of the governing body subsequently declared the Atlas Lions the winners by forfeit. A decision immediately contested by the Senegalese side, which has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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Faced with this unprecedented situation, the Confederation of African Football says it maintains strict neutrality. "We are very clear. We have to follow the rules of CAF and FIFA," said Patrice Motsepe. "We gave the money and the trophy to Senegal. Morocco won in the Appeals Committee but we will not give any opinion on the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Whatever the decision of the CAS, we will respect it."