CAF reschedules 2024 CHAN to August, draw to proceed as planned in Kenya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which was set to take place in East Africa from February 1 to 28.

In its statement, CAF attributed the sudden delay to the host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—being unprepared. However, the draw scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, will still take place as planned.

CAF's announcement stated: "The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to postpone the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) that was to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda until August 2025.

"Significant advancements have been made in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda regarding the construction and enhancement of stadiums, training facilities, hotels, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure for a successful tournament."

The statement further elaborated: "Nevertheless, the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts, some of whom have been stationed in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, have indicated that additional time is necessary to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the required standards for hosting a successful tournament."

CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the three nations in his remarks. He commended the dedication shown by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in their infrastructure development.

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment, and the significant progress achieved in the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other facilities in preparation for the tournament," stated Motsepe.

"I am truly impressed by the ongoing developments and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda."

Motsepe further asserted that the advancements being achieved by the three nations will fulfill the standards established by the African governing body by August, coinciding with the tournament's rescheduled date.

"I am confident that the stadiums, training facilities, hotels, hospitals, and other necessary infrastructure will meet the required CAF standards for hosting a highly successful tournament in August 2025."

CHAN draw to proceed as scheduled
In the meantime, the draw for the eighth edition of the tournament will take place as planned on Wednesday, January 15th, in Nairobi, Kenya.

"CAF will conduct the draw in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 20:00 Nairobi time," the statement indicated.

Additionally, the statement noted: "The specific date for the August 2025 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will be announced by CAF in due course."

The Kenyan government has also released a statement affirming its preparedness for the draw scheduled for Wednesday.

Sports Principal Secretary Engineer Peter Tum remarked that all security protocols have been duly followed, and access to the venue will be strictly by invitation only.

“We are ready to host the draw tomorrow (Wednesday). We have focused on three key areas, particularly event management, and we will conduct a dry run to ensure everything is in place before tomorrow (Wednesday),” Tum stated.

Expected attendees at the draw include Tanzania's Minister for Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, and Uganda's Minister, Peter Ogwang. Kenya's President, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, along with Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will serve as the chief guests at this significant event.

The draw is set to occur at the KICC Tsavo Ballroom at 20:00 EAT and will be broadcast worldwide.

The statement further advised: "Those wishing to attend the draw should seek accreditation for access to the venue."

Meanwhile, CAF Head of Safety and Security, Christian Emeruwa, underscored the necessity of adhering to all security protocols to prevent any last-minute complications.

Access to KICC is strictly limited to those with invitations, as emphasized by Emeruwa. This measure is crucial to prevent any issues at the entrance.

The CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has been diligently preparing to ensure that all arrangements are finalized for the upcoming draw.

LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye underscored the importance of this year's championship for both Kenya and the surrounding region.

“CHAN presents a significant opportunity for our country and the region. I encourage every Kenyan to rally behind this event as we strive to create history next month,” Musonye stated.

He called upon all stakeholders to actively participate in the event and contribute to its vibrancy. The draw scheduled for Wednesday will showcase three prominent East African football figures: McDonald Mariga from Kenya, Mrisho Ngassa from Tanzania, and Hassan Wasswa from Uganda.

Nineteen teams have confirmed their participation in this year's tournament, including co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as Senegal (the defending champions), Morocco (two-time winners), Guinea, Mauritania, Niger, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Congo Republic, Nigeria, Sudan, Madagascar, Zambia, and Angola.