"Fake news": CAF responds via Kooora to rumours about the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

CAF have ended the debate over the fate of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, moving to quash doubts about where next year's tournament will be staged.

The continental showpiece is set to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Arabic press reports claimed yesterday, Friday, that Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF, will carry out an inspection visit to the three host nations next January to test their readiness five months out from kick-off.

Should the three nations be found unready at that point, the reports added, CAF might consider moving the tournament elsewhere.

Luxolo September, CAF's media spokesperson, hit back in exclusive comments to Kooora today, Saturday. "This news is repeated, and we have clarified the truth more than once," he said.

He added: "This is fake news, and it has no basis in truth. CAF is not considering moving the Africa Cup of Nations, and it trusts in the ability of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to organise the tournament on schedule."

Another claim in the reports suggested a proposal to push the 2027 edition back to 2028, holding just one edition rather than the two currently scheduled before the tournament switches to a four-year cycle.

September rubbished that too, stressing CAF's commitment to the current calendar.

This is not the first time he has been forced to respond. September denied similar reports about the tournament's fate to Kooora last April.

The qualifiers, meanwhile, kicked off during the current international break. Two rounds have been played, with the campaign set to wrap up next March.