Algerian journalist cries foul over failed 2027 Afcon bid, says Caf will beg Algeria to host
An Algerian journalist has ranted on social media about Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania’s successful joint bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The journalist by the name Hafid Derradji claimed the Confederation of African Football (Caf) erred in voting for the Pamoja bid, thereby giving the three East African countries the hosting rights despite the lack of international standards facilities that Algeria boasts of.
“… the victory of the trio (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) in the 2027 tournament was ridiculous, especially since their teams are hosting. Its matches are outside its lands due to the lack of stadiums that meet CAF requirements. Uganda even welcomed Algeria in Cameroon last month, while Kenya and Tanzania only have one stadium in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam,” the journalist said.
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He further faulted Caf’s Executive Committee for voting in favour of the trio at the expense of Algeria, which he said has international stadiums, infrastructure, and basic facilities that allowed it to host the Mediterranean Games, the Arab Games, the African Cup for Local Championships, and the African Cup for Juniors in one year.
“Do you understand now why Algeria withdrew? Do you realize why organizing African championships is no longer one of our priorities? In 2027, they will ask Algeria to organize the tournament due to the trio’s lack of readiness and then we will remind them that our priorities are to organize and develop our football and our teams to win tournaments wherever they are organized,” Derradji said, who works for BeInSports, one of the biggest sports channels based in Doha, Qatar.
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His rant came after the Pamoja bid beat bids from Egypt, Senegal, Botswana and Algeria who withdrew from the race a day before the bid winners were announced.
As part of its bid, Kenya pledged to refurbish the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium as well as Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret, with Mr Namwamba saying these three facilities will be ready for use by 2025.
The Confederation of Africa Federation (Caf) requires that any facilities that will be used for the tournament be near an airport, a level four or five hospital and a four or five-star hotel.
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