By Victor Kanayo
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is now searching for a new host for the 2025 U20 AFCON after Ivory Coast withdrew.
CAF, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed receiving an official letter from the Ivory Coast football authority stating that the country will be unable to host the tournament one month before its scheduled kick-off.
Withdrawal Letter
The letter from the Ivory Coast Football President, Yacine Idriss Diallo, conveying the government’s decision, reads:
“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.
“Following instructions from the FIF President, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary-General on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
“The President extends his deep gratitude to all involved in organising the tournament and assures that further updates on CAF’s response will be communicated accordingly.”
Postponement Threat
The U20 men’s football competition is scheduled to take place between 26 April and 18 May 2025.
It remains to be seen whether the sudden withdrawal of Ivory Coast will force CAF to postpone the biennial tournament.
