With just a month remaining before the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the tournament’s host, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The decision, directed by the Ivorian government, was confirmed in an official statement from the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) on Wednesday.
CAF had previously announced Ivory Coast as the host nation in 2024, but the latest development means the Confederation of African Football (CAF) must urgently find a replacement to stage the competition.
In a letter addressed to CAF, FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo outlined the government’s directive:
“By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of FIF and President of COCAN U20, informs you that the Government has officially notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as the host of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Furthermore, he confirmed that the Executive Director of FIF had officially informed CAF Secretary General of the withdrawal on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“The President extends his deep gratitude to all involved in organizing the tournament and assures that further updates on CAF’s response will be communicated accordingly.”
With the tournament set to begin in April 2025, CAF now faces a race against time to secure a new host nation. The decision could lead to logistical challenges, particularly regarding venue availability, travel arrangements, and tournament infrastructure.
As of now, CAF has not announced an alternative host, but a decision is expected in the coming days.
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