Afcon 2032: Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali launch bids for finals

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – three countries led by military governments – submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations.

The announcement comes after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) opened applications for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the flagship tournament Afcon.

The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) said the joint proposal would be built around “cohesion, regional integration and the sustainable development of African football”.

It added that it would work with relevant authorities to prepare a “solid, credible bid” aimed at bringing a fresh perspective to the continental game.

three neighbors West Africa officially left the regional bloc Ecowas last year Following the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation, including in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and economic development.

However, the security situation remains deeply unstable across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Attacks by armed jihadist groups. The Trio government has moved away from traditional Western security partners and strengthened ties with Russia.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe said the three countries would have “as good a chance as anyone else” of hosting the final, when asked by BBC Sport whether African football’s governing body would require security guarantees before assessing bids.

“They will not be disadvantaged or prejudiced by being a military junta, but you raise a very important point,” Motsepe added.

“Questions of safety and security… these are questions that we have to address. But no decision has been taken on where it (Afcon 2032) will go.”

However, Motsepe also said that CAF “have to deal with reality”.

“Of course, democracy and freedom of speech and regular elections, that’s non-negotiable. And that’s critical,” he said.

“But I will visit those countries to be involved in the football part.”