Fouzi Lekjaa, Head of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), received the flag of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. The handover at the ceremony following last night’s AFCON final at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan, was a climactic prelude to the 35th edition slated to be hosted in Morocco in 2025.
The host country, Cote d’Ivoire, clinched victory against Nigeria with a score of 2-1, securing their third trophy after prior victories in 1992 and 2015.
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and Gianni Infantino, President of the International Football Federation (FIFA), both attended the ceremonial event.
Morocco secured hosting rights for the 35th edition of the CAN in 2025, after Nigeria and Benin withdrew their joint bid. Meanwhile, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda were selected to host the 2027 edition.
During a press conference on Friday, the CAF President expressed confidence that the 2025 edition in Morocco would be “excellent” and undoubtedly achieve “huge success.”
Moroccan officials stepped up their efforts to organize the 2025 CAN and the 2030 World Cup together with Portugal and Spain. The country is currently focusing on preparing for these events, particularly by strengthening its sports infrastructure.
The expansion of stadiums involves not only increasing spectator capacity, but also demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to rehabilitation of sports infrastructure.
Morocco has invested significantly in modernizing and improving existing stadiums in order to provide world-class facilities for both athletes and fans. The Ibn Battouta Stadium in Tangier, Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca, Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, Grand Stadiums in Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez, and a new stadium in Benslimane are set to undergo either renovations or upgrades with a budget of around 9.5 billion MAD to meet CAF standards.