AFCON 2025: Morocco Sets New Standards for African Sports Infrastructure and Economic Success
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has demonstrated Africa's capacity to deliver world-class sporting events while generating unprecedented economic returns, despite some organizational challenges that offer valuable lessons for future tournaments.
Morocco's Infrastructure Excellence Showcases African Capabilities
Morocco's delivery of outstanding infrastructure has set a new benchmark for African sporting events. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat exemplified world-class standards, while the tournament served as preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
King Mohammed VI highlighted that the country's infrastructure demonstrated "resilience and a world-class level of readiness", backed by strategic investments over recent years. Future developments include renovations to Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca and stadiums in Fes, Marrakesh, and Agadir, plus construction of a 115,000-seater stadium near Benslimane.
Omar Khyari from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation emphasized the significance: "We are very happy because it shows the world that sometimes Africa can do it better than other countries. All this technology is from Moroccan companies."
Record-Breaking Financial Performance Demonstrates Economic Potential
The tournament achieved remarkable financial success, with CAF reporting 90% revenue growth compared to previous editions. Ticket revenue surged from $11 million at the 2023 Ivory Coast tournament to an impressive $55 million in Morocco.
CAF increased its sponsor portfolio to 23 major partners while forecasting a net profit exceeding $114 million, up from $75 million two years ago. The tournament also featured enhanced social media coverage, boosting its global profile and commercial value.
These figures raise important questions about CAF's decision to switch to quadrennial hosting from 2028, particularly regarding whether similar economic value can be generated in other African markets.
Lessons for Future African Tournament Hosting
While Morocco set new standards, upcoming co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda face challenges in matching this scale. Kenyan Football Federation President Hussein Mohammed acknowledged Morocco's achievement while confirming that "key steps" are being taken to improve infrastructure ahead of 2027.
The tournament highlighted several areas requiring attention for future events:
Officiating Standards Need Enhancement
Refereeing standards faced criticism throughout the tournament, culminating in controversial decisions during the final. The use of Video Assistant Referee technology showed regression from the near-flawless 2023 implementation, with extended delays and questionable decisions affecting match flow.
Security and Crowd Management Improvements Required
Security concerns emerged when Senegal's squad was mobbed at Rabat station, while crowd control issues occurred both inside and outside stadiums. These challenges, while not unique to African football, require systematic solutions for future tournaments.
Regulatory Framework Updates Needed
CAF should consider revising yellow card regulations in knockout stages, as 20 players faced potential final exclusion due to accumulated bookings. The current system prevented optimal team selections in crucial matches.
Strategic Implications for African Football Development
Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala recently called Morocco the "new headquarters" of African football, highlighting the country's increasing dominance in hosting major tournaments. This concentration raises questions about developing sporting infrastructure across the continent.
The tournament's success demonstrates Africa's capability to deliver international-standard events while generating substantial economic returns. However, sustainable development requires spreading these opportunities across the continent to build capacity and create economic benefits for multiple African nations.
As African football continues evolving, the 2025 AFCON in Morocco serves as both an inspiration and a challenge for other nations to invest in infrastructure, technology, and organizational capacity that can deliver similar world-class experiences.