Mamadou Gaye Clarifies His Comments on East Africa's AFCON 2027 Readiness: 'CAF Will Have No Sentiment'

Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye has broken his silence following comments that East Africa has no proper infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking at a press conference, the veteran journalist pointed out that Morocco has already raised the bar in terms of AFCON hosting and cast doubt over the possibility of East Africa delivering a successful tournament.

“AFCON is heading to three East African countries, where I already have been. No roads within the countries. Some of my colleagues from East Africa told me from one country to another one will take you two days to drive,” Mamadou Gaye said.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

“Then my biggest worry, and many are worried, are we going to lower the standards by going to East Africa? What is the solution forward? Is there any possibility that it will be taken away from those countries?”

Mamadou Gaye explained that his remarks were never intended to offend, but were meant to provoke reflection and progress among various nations on the continent.

He pointed out that decades ago, Cote d'Ivoire was more developed than Morocco, yet circumstances have since changed significantly, with the latter now showcasing advanced transport systems, efficient mobility, and high-quality facilities across multiple locations.

He noted that this transformation demonstrated what long-term planning and investment could achieve, and expressed his hope that similar standards would eventually be attained across other parts of the region south of the Sahara.

He went on to reflect on Ivory Coast’s experience of staging a major continental football tournament earlier in history, acknowledging that while the main urban centre offered adequate amenities, travel beyond it revealed shortcomings.

According to him, accommodation options became scarce outside the main metropolis, journeys were longer due to less efficient transport networks, and overall accessibility remained a hurdle.

“I know you have infrastructure, but like most West African countries, when you leave the capital city, the remaining part of the country is a bush. That's the reality. And you don't have top-class stages,” Mamadou Gaye added.

“That's the reality. How many times was the CHAN postponed? Because of a lack of proper infrastructure. And remember, in 1996, AFCON was given to Kenya. Because they were not ready, it went to South Africa. And at the moment we're speaking, the three countries are not properly ready.”

Mamadou Gaye cautioned that if countries were not adequately prepared to host major football events, the opportunity could easily be withdrawn.

He illustrated this by recalling an incident in Cote d’Ivoire where, just months before the continental tournament, both the Minister of Sport and the Prime Minister were dismissed due to the poor condition of a football pitch.

In contrast, he highlighted Morocco as an example of careful preparation, noting that even during continuous rain on the day of the opening ceremony, the playing surface remained impeccable, allowing matches to proceed without disruption.

Gaye emphasised that accommodations of varying standards should be readily available at reasonable prices in every host city, and that transportation networks, like the extensive train system in Morocco, were crucial to ensure smooth access across venues, something that was lacking in other regions.

He warned that failure to meet these standards would invite harsh criticism, more severe than the suggestions he was offering, and reminded that governing bodies had a history of reassigning hosting rights when preparations fell short, citing past examples in Kenya.

“That's why I say, if you guys are not ready, obviously, it will be taken away from you. Look, for example, in Cote d'Ivoire, let me give you an example. Three months before the AFCON, the Minister of Sport was fired, and the Prime Minister was fired,” he added.

“And if you do less than Morocco, believe me, everybody will criticise you more bitterly than what I am saying now. Now I am just suggesting, but the critic will come in 2027. And believe me, if you're lacking, CAF will have no sentiment. They will take it away because they have done it so many times already. Even as I mentioned, they did it to Kenya already in the past.”