U20 AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast Withdraws As Host

U20 AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast Withdraws As Host

Sampson Adedeji

With just a month to go before the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, Ivory Coast has officially withdrawn as the tournament's host, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced Ivory Coast as the host nation in 2024. However, on Wednesday, the Ivorian government directed the country's football federation to relinquish hosting duties.

In an official statement, FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo conveyed the government's decision: "By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of FIF and President of COCAN U20, informs you that the Government has officially notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of Côte d'Ivoire’s withdrawal as the host of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations."

"Following instructions from the FIF President, the Executive Director relayed this information to the CAF Secretary General on Tuesday, March 25, 2025."

"The President extends his deep gratitude to all involved in organizing the tournament and assures that further updates on CAF's response will be communicated accordingly."

CAF will now have to find an alternative host before the tournament begins.