Ivory Coast has confirmed its withdrawal from hosting the 24th edition of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The tournament, which was scheduled for April 26 to May 18, 2025, has now been dented by the move, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) now forced to act quickly to find a new host before then.
Also Read: Argentina thump Brazil to qualify for World Cup
Reports from the Ivory Coast indicate that the move was made public by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) through their Executive Secretary on Tuesday with the government said not to have committed to supporting them in the competition.
President Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is also FIF and chairman of the COCAN U-20 organizing committee, was sorry about the incident but thanked those who worked and dedicated their time to preparations for the tournament.
The reports indicate that the withdrawal was due to logistical challenges and finances with the new development now forcing CAF to chip in and find a new host so as not to mess up with their schedule, which is already behind.
Kenya, under the guidance of Salim Babu, will be participating in the competition and are in Group C together with Senegal, Zambia and Sierra Leone.
Also Read: Ulinzi Stars midfielder eyeing Cup Glory
.){kind=link}