The Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, has reaffirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will not be moved from East Africa, dismissing circulating social media rumours suggesting a possible relocation.
The rumours had claimed that the continental tournament could be shifted to South Africa, but the government has officially clarified that no such discussions have taken place within the relevant football structures.
Mwinjuma made the remarks shortly after a high-level meeting with the Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samson Adamu, held in Kampala, Uganda.
The meeting brought together representatives from the three co-hosting nations Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to review progress on preparations for the tournament.
He emphasized that the issue of relocating AFCON 2027 was never part of the meeting agenda and described the speculation as unfounded.
“The agenda of moving this tournament was not discussed at all in our meeting. It was therefore surprising to see such information circulating,” Mwinjuma said.
According to him, CAF leadership, under President Patrice Motsepe, continues to express strong confidence in the East African co-hosting arrangement and is fully committed to supporting the preparations of the three countries.
He noted that discussions focused mainly on accelerating infrastructure development, ensuring compliance with CAF standards, and strengthening coordination among the host nations ahead of upcoming inspection visits.
Mwinjuma further announced that the meeting agreed on the formation of a joint East African coordination committee, alongside national organizing sub-committees and a central secretariat.
These structures are expected to enhance efficiency and harmonize preparations across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
The AFCON 2027 tournament will be jointly hosted by the three East African nations, marking a historic milestone for the region as it prepares to stage Africa’s premier football competition for the first time in a tripartite arrangement.
