ICYMI: Ivory Coast To Host AFCON 2023 Instead Of 2021

The Ivory Coast will now host the AFCON 2023, instead of the 2021 tournament, after they were stripped of the 2021 rights.

Cameroon were asked by CAF to host the 2021 tournament, taking that right away from Ivory Coast.

Cameroon had been stripped of the 2019 hosting rights, but Ivory Coast appealed to CAS, as they hoped to keep the 2021 rights.

However, after Caf president Ahmad met Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday, it was agreed that the 2023 edition would be Ivory Coast’s responsibility and the country’s Sports Minister Paulin Danho confirmed the development.

“I received clear directives from my Head of State to work towards the fulfillment of Afcon 2023, bring peace in the divided local football and build a smooth relationship with the Confederation of African Football (Caf),” Danho told Cafonline.

The appeal filed with Cas by Ivory Coast is now expected to be withdrawn.

Guinea who had originally been tasked with hosting the 2023 Afcon have already agreed to move to 2025.