"Image source, Getty Images South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie says "no formal decision has been taken to relocate" the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) away from Morocco after his deputy announced that South Africa would step in and stage the finals. McKenzie issued a clarifying statement after Peace Mabe declared the nation "will be hosting" the tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on 17 March."
"[The remarks made] do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities," he added. "The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process. "South Africa has expressed its willingness to support Caf if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 Wafcon become necessary. "These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by Caf as it considers various contingencies in line with [its] responsible stewardship of the continental game."
"Morocco is set to stage Wafcon for the third time in a row after years of investment by the kingdom in footballing infrastructure as it builds towards co-hosting the 2030 Fifa World Cup. The fact that the North African country has been a willing supporter of the women's game has solved a potential dilemma for Caf in recent years, given few nations have expressed an interest in staging Wafcon."
Gayton McKenzie said no formal decision has been taken to relocate the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations from Morocco after deputy Peace Mabe announced South Africa would host. McKenzie clarified that Morocco remains the officially designated host and that the Confederation of African Football has not triggered any alternative hosting process. South Africa has expressed willingness to support CAF if alternative arrangements become necessary. Morocco will host Wafcon for a third consecutive time after years of investment in football infrastructure and as part of build-up to co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Wafcon attracts fewer hosts and spectators than the men's tournament.
Read at www.bbc.com
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