President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Faouzi Lakjaa, has hailed Africa’s unanimous decision to award Morocco as host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a significant endorsement of King Mohammed VI’s longstanding contributions to the continent’s development.
Lakjaa emphasized that securing the hosting rights for the tournament serves as a culmination of the enduring efforts undertaken by the nation’s monarch.
“This is a genuine recognition for a people deeply passionate about football, one that has consistently dazzled the world with its unwavering love for the game.”
Lakjaa, the key figure responsible for football administration in Morocco, underlined that securing the hosting rights for “CAN 2025” represents just the first step in a broader journey.
He anticipates the most pivotal moment in less than a year, as Morocco strives to secure the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal. He emphasized that pursuing the bid for the World Cup is a unique opportunity to rekindle cultural ties across the Mediterranean, stating, “These developments are all indicative of an event that will rally the entire African continent, as the dossier and the nomination belong to Africa itself.”
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, officially announced Morocco’s selection as the host for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for 2025. Meanwhile, the privilege of hosting the 2027 edition was awarded to the combined bid from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Motsepe, during a press conference held at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, elucidated that other countries withdrew their candidacy bids for hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following discussions and deliberations. This decision was made with the aim of allowing Morocco to focus on preparations for securing the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly with Portugal and Spain.