AFCON 2025 To Match World Cup Broadcast Standards With Spidercam Adoption

AFCON 2025 To Match World Cup Broadcast Standards With Spidercam Adoption

By Niyi Busari 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Spidercam technology will be installed in all nine stadiums hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, marking the first time the cutting-edge aerial camera system will be used throughout an entire AFCON tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Already a feature of global sporting events such as the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, Spidercam delivers sweeping aerial shots and dynamic pitch-level tracking, offering television viewers a more immersive match-day experience.

How the Technology Works

Suspended on cables anchored to four elevated points within the stadium, the high-definition (and potentially 4K) broadcast camera moves freely above the pitch. Two operators control the system—one managing movement, the other framing shots—with live video transmitted via fibre-optic cables.

Safety measures include emergency brakes, anti-collision sensors, backup motors, and power supplies to ensure uninterrupted operation.

Proven Track Record in Morocco

Morocco’s National Broadcasting and Television Company (SNRT) has prior experience with Spidercam, having successfully deployed it during the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2023 Morocco-Brazil friendly.

A large-scale public tender for the devices was opened on July 30, with the installation project budgeted at MAD 9.5 million (approximately $957,000 USD).

Rollout Across All AFCON Venues

The technology will be installed in all selected AFCON 2025 venues, with specific budgets allocated as follows:

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat – MAD 1.43 million

Olympic Stadium, Rabat – MAD 844,332

Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat – MAD 827,964

El Barid Stadium, Rabat – MAD 658,176

Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca – MAD 1.37 million

Grand Stadium, Marrakech – MAD 1.21 million

Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier – MAD 1.16 million.

A full-scale operational test was successfully conducted on June 9 during the Morocco vs Benin friendly at the Fez Stadium, further paving the way for its AFCON debut.

With Spidercam now part of AFCON’s broadcast arsenal, the 2025 edition is expected to set new production standards for African football coverage, enhancing the viewing experience for millions of fans worldwide.