The latest news in the world of African football has taken everyone by surprise. Algeria has decided to withdraw from the race to host the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2025 and 2027. A decision which opens the royal road to Morocco, its main competitor.
This decision is all the more surprising as Algeria had implemented a seduction strategy to win the organization of the competition. With infrastructure already in place and a successful organization of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the country of Fennecs seemed to be well positioned to host the CAN.
However, the change at the head of the Algerian Football Federation likely played a role in this decision. Walid Sadi, recently elected president of the FAF, would have decided not to defend the candidacy file which had been prepared by his predecessor.
The FAF justified its withdrawal by stating that it was a new approach to the football development strategy in Algeria. The focus will now be on the reorganization and revitalization of football in the country.
With the withdrawal of Algeria, Morocco becomes the undisputed favorite to host the CAN in 2025. Despite competition from Zambia and a Nigeria-Benin duo, the Cherifian kingdom should obtain the organization of the competition, more than 30 years after hosting the 1988 edition.
For Algeria, which has not organized the CAN since 1990, it will be necessary to wait until at least 2029 to hope to organize the biggest African competition again.
This decision to withdraw from Algeria raises questions about the motivations and management of football in the country. Let us hope that the new management of the FAF will be able to give new impetus to Algerian football and allow the country to shine again on the African scene.