CAF shifts 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has shifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be held in June and July next year in Ivory Coast to January-February 2024 in a bid to avoid the rainy season.

Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, said the body didn’t want to take the risk of staging the tournament “under a deluge”.

Speaking at a CAF executive committee meeting in Morocco, playing host to the women’s Cup of Nations, Motsepe said: “We cannot take that risk.

“January is not the ideal time because European clubs are not keen to release some of their best players.

“As it is now we really have no choice, it’s the only time we have in terms of developing and growing African football.”