7 hours ago
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South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie says "no formal decision has been taken to relocate" the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) away from Morocco after his deputy announced that South Africa would step in and stage the finals.
McKenzie issued a clarifying statement after Peace Mabe declared the nation "will be hosting" the tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on 17 March.
"When Morocco said 'We are not able to host', South Africa, we said 'Yes, we are available'. We are going to take it," Mabe later told SABC Sport after her announcement at an awards ceremony on Sunday.
But later in the evening McKenzie said that Morocco "remains the officially designated host" of Wafcon 2026.
"[The remarks made] do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities," he added.
"The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.
"South Africa has expressed its willingness to support Caf if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 Wafcon become necessary.
"These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by Caf as it considers various contingencies in line with [its] responsible stewardship of the continental game."
Caf has been contacted for comment.
Morocco is set to stage Wafcon for the third time in a row after years of investment by the kingdom in footballing infrastructure as it builds towards co-hosting the 2030 Fifa World Cup.
The fact that the North African country has been a willing supporter of the women's game has solved a potential dilemma for Caf in recent years, given few nations have expressed an interest in staging Wafcon.
The tournament attracts far fewer supporters than the men's equivalent, the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Morocco has just staged.
South Africa has reportedly tabled a bid to host the 2028 Afcon, and McKenzie says the country will continue to pursue a long-term strategy to put on major sporting events.
"The remarks made by the deputy minister (Mabe) reflect government's longstanding engagement on supporting African football and South Africa's confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events," he said.
With just 43 days until an expanded 16-team Wafcon kicks off, even if South Africa did step in to replace Morocco it would face a logistical challenge to be ready on time despite having 13 Caf-approved stadiums.
