Members of CECAFA, the East and Central Africa football body, have resolved to jointly petition CAF, the African football confederation, to consider the region for hosting next available African Cup of Nations.
This came to fore during Wednesday’s brainstorming meeting in Kampala, Uganda attended by seven out of the twelve members of the East and Central Africa regional football body.
“It was observed that in the last 40 years (Since 1076 in Ethiopia) of the 60-year old competition, no CECAFA member has hosted the African Cup of Nations.
“Joint application by CECAFA and its 12 members to be made to CAF that the next available Africa Cup of Nations hosting opportunity is provided to a CECAFA member or members (joint bid) subject to fulfilling the AFCON hosting requirements,” the resolution reads.
With the next three AFCON hosting slots already taken by Cameroon (2019), Ivory Coast (2021) and Guinea (2023), CECAFA’s wish can only come in the 2025 edition.
However, a window could present itself earlier as Guinea is believed to be financially crippled.
There has also been a push to review the next three hosting rights as they favor only the Francophone region and were awarded without transparency.
Already Ethiopia has made it known they will bid for the 2025 showpiece. The country has massive infrastructural investment to back-up their quest.
They boast over 5 modern stadiums that can stage the premium CAF competition.
The Kampala meeting also resolved to request CAF for an additional seat in the Executive Committee.
“It was observed that with 12 members and with 2 CAF Executive Committee positions, CECAFA is inadequately represented in comparative to other zones.
“A joint communication to CAF requesting a consideration of providing 1 additional position at the CAF Executive Committee for CECAFA by 31st May 2017.”
Executive Committee is the top most decision making organ of CAF, the African football confederation.
The Kampala gathering, hosted by the Ugandan FA, was not attended by the Secretary General of CECAFA Nicholas Musonye, who has alleged a plot to oust him.
CECAFA has been inactive and has only hosted two competitions in the past four years.
