Source: Africa Publicity
Côte d’Ivoire has withdrawn as host of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced the decision on Tuesday, citing a letter from the Ivorian government stating the impossibility of hosting the tournament.
The sudden withdrawal has left the Confederation of African Football (CAF) racing against time to identify a new host, with only weeks to go before the tournament. President Yacine Idriss Diallo, who is also FIF president and chairman of the COCAN U-20 organizing committee, expressed regret over the incident.
“I would like to thank all individuals who worked tirelessly and dedicated their time to preparations for the tournament,” Diallo said, promising to keep stakeholders informed about CAF’s next move.
While the reasons behind Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal are unclear, rumors suggest logistical challenges and financial constraints may have contributed to the decision. The sudden turn of events highlights the challenges of hosting major sporting tournaments and the gap between ambition and reality.
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