Search On For New U20 Afcon Host After Ivory Coast Pulls Out

The Confederation of African Football is looking for a new host for the 2025 U20 AFCON following Ivory Coasts withdrawal just 30 days before the tournament began.

This announcement by the Ivorian Football Federation on Tuesday has created significant disruption in African football. Ivory Coast, which was confirmed as the host in December 2024, had managed to secure its hosting rights despite initially not qualifying for the tournament.

With the Ivorian national teams disqualification, the nation may also face severe penalties from CAF, which could include exclusion from the next two U20 AFCON tournaments.

The U20 mens football competition is planned to be held from April 26 to May 18, 2025. It is still uncertain whether Ivory Coasts abrupt withdrawal will cause CAF to delay the biennial tournament.