**CHAN 2025: An Opportunity Scuttled by CAF?**
In a sporting world where anticipatory and effective management is the keystone of success, the recent postponement of the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from February to August 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) raises a crucial question: how did we get to this point?
This situation was strongly criticized by Constant Omari, former president of the Congolese Football Association Federation, who did not allow his choice of words to go unnoticed. His remarks, describing the postponement as amateurism and adventurism, reveal a broader dilemma, affecting the integrity and effectiveness of the governing bodies of African football.
### Questionable management
The work of CAF, as Omari pointed out, should be part of a preventive approach and continuous evaluation. Indeed, in the months preceding an event of such magnitude, inspection missions are generally set up to ensure that everything is ready. The implementation of a “plan B” in the event of failure is a standard practice in the organization of major sporting events. However, reality has shown that such an approach has visibly been neglected.
The question that arises then is that of the skills within CAF. The strategic relationship between the national federations and CAF should allow for smooth communication and better synchronization. The absence of an effective relay game between the entities has highlighted the structural inequalities that are plaguing the system. In other words, this situation may not be just a simple clumsiness, but a symptom of a deeper evil within CAF.
### Economic and social impact
The economic fallout from a postponement of this type is not limited to the sporting sphere. CAF’s late decisions have already had a significant impact on various stakeholders, including sponsors, teams and host cities. Some countries, which had started preparing their teams and reorganizing their national calendars, now find themselves in a situation of uncertainty.
In Africa, football is much more than just a sport: it is a vector of social cohesion and a catalyst for economic development. Many companies inject considerable funds to sponsor local teams for the event, thus stimulating the local economy. Therefore, the impact of this delay is felt at all levels, from small businesses to government entities.
### Comparison with other sports bodies
In comparison, other international sports bodies such as FIFA have often been able to anticipate and manage such situations with agility. Take the recent FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, which required several years of preparation and a rigorous alignment of logistical preparations, infrastructure and organisation. The success of this event relies not only on the preparation of sports facilities, but also on a precise marketing strategy, management of TV rights, as well as clear match schedules.
This contrast raises questions about CAF’s ability to draw inspiration from global best practices. By choosing a more rigorous and structured approach, CAF could not only avoid embarrassing postponements, but also strengthen its credibility on the world stage.
### Looking ahead
However, a situation such as this could also present an opportunity. This is the ideal time for CAF to reassess its organisational practices, its approach to communication and, above all, to rebuild trust between national federations and its governing bodies. An internal audit could reveal areas for improvement and identify innovative solutions for the future management of competitions.
It is crucial that the various stakeholders in African football reflect together on a profound reform of the organisation. This is not only to ensure that competitions take place as planned in the future, but also to ensure the sustainable development of football across the continent.
### Conclusion
The postponement of CHAN 2025, while perceived as a resounding organisational failure, could also be the catalyst for positive change for African football. Yes, Constant Omari’s criticism is legitimate, and it is easy to blame CAF for its shortcomings. But it is also a time to consider a rebound, a chance to transform a crisis into an opportunity for improvement and growth.
Thus, the response to this inconvenience must be proactive, and not just punitive. The voices that are raised, like that of Omari, must serve as a basis for a constructive dialogue, so that African football, rich in talent and history, can finally benefit from the organization and harmony that it deserves.