CAN U20 2025: Côte d’Ivoire Withdraws as Host Nation Just One Month Before Kickoff
Côte d’Ivoire has officially withdrawn from hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations U20 tournament just a month before its start. The Ivorian Football Federation cited a government decision, with logistical and financial difficulties speculated. The Confederation of African Football faces uncertainty, considering alternatives to avoid disruption to youth football events.
hassan benyoub 
In a shocking turn of events, Côte d’Ivoire has officially withdrawn from hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) U20, with only one month remaining until the tournament’s scheduled start date. Originally set to take place from April 26 to May 18, 2025, the youth football competition now faces uncertainty as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scrambles to find a solution.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Withdrawal Sparks Concerns
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), led by President Yacine Idriss Diallo, formally notified the CAF of the country’s decision to step down as host. In an official statement, Diallo, who also chairs the CAN U20 Local Organizing Committee (COCAN U20), revealed that the Ivorian government had informed the FIF of its withdrawal. The announcement was communicated to CAF’s Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
“By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo informs you that the government has officially notified the Ivorian Football Federation of Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as the host nation of the CAN U20,” the FIF statement read. While no specific reasons were provided, logistical or financial challenges are widely speculated to be behind the move.
The FIF expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their efforts in preparing for the tournament and assured that updates on CAF’s next steps would follow. However, with the competition just weeks away, this decision leaves African football fans and organizers in limbo.
CAF Faces Another Scheduling Crisis
This withdrawal marks yet another blow to CAF’s 2025 calendar, which has already undergone multiple revisions. The senior CAN 2025, initially slated for Morocco earlier this year, was postponed to December due to delays in stadium readiness. Similarly, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) was rescheduled from February to August 2025, shifting its hosting to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The CAN U20, a key qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, now risks postponement or relocation. With 13 teams expected to compete across multiple Ivorian cities, the sudden change poses a significant logistical challenge for CAF.
Could Morocco Step In?
Speculation has emerged that Morocco might rescue the CAN U20 2025, much like it has stepped up for other CAF events in the past. However, with only a month until the planned kickoff, experts deem this unlikely. Morocco’s major stadiums are currently undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for the senior CAN 2025, leaving the kingdom ill-equipped to host a youth tournament on such short notice unless a delay is considered.
Some media outlets have mistakenly referred to this as a potential CAN U17 issue, but the focus remains on the U20 edition. Regardless, CAF must act swiftly to avoid further disruption to its youth football programs.
What’s Next for CAN U20 2025?
As of now, CAF has yet to announce an official contingency plan. A postponement could align the tournament with other rescheduled events, but this would require coordination with national federations and FIFA’s international calendar. Alternatively, a new host nation could emerge, though time constraints make this a daunting task.
Football enthusiasts across the continent await CAF’s response, with teams like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana eager to compete for the coveted U20 title. For now, the future of the CAN U20 2025 hangs in the balance, underscoring the ongoing organizational challenges facing African football.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
