Morocco, Algeria battle continues in Afcon bidding war

The 2025 tournament was scheduled to be held in Guinea, but the slow rate of preparations saw Caf taking it away from them, with the two countries having already submitted hosting bids, with Zambia as well as a joint bid from Nigeria and Benin also up for consideration.

Morocco and Algeria are already involved in a political standoff following the withdrawal of the Atlas Lions from the current African Nations Championship (Chan).

The Caf president explained that the continental body’s executive committee has resolved that there would be a bid inspection committee visiting the respective bidding countries before a final decision is made on the hosts.

"The Exco of Caf will assess all of those processes. In fact, there was an announcement that we are largely going to follow the Fifa process, having a technical committee to go and check, assess and evaluate and come back to Exco with feedback," explained Motsepe.

"And based on that feedback, based on making sure the facilities and infrastructure is world class, our supporters and spectators, the TV rights and viewing will reflect the world class perception of African football that we're trying to display."

Meanwhile, any nation withdrawing from a continental tournament faces a fine and a mandatory two-edition ban from that particular competition, and this could affect Morocco’s bidding hopes for the Afcon 2025.

When quizzed last week about the implications of Morocco’s withdrawal, Motsepe said they would simply enforce the rule book.

"The starting point for us is [that] we've got clear rules and regulations within Caf, which are also in compliance with Fifa Statutes, and we will at all times ensure that we apply these rules and regulations but also treat every nation fairly, justly and equitably," he said.