Ethiopia Launches Official 2028 Afcon Bid as UEFA Resolves FIFA Boycott Dispute

Ethiopia has officially submitted a government-backed bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), signaling its intent to bring the continent’s premier football tournament back to the country for the first time in over fifty years. The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) emphasized the nation’s readiness and historical connection to the event, having previously hosted in 1962, 1968, and 1976. However, the proposal faces significant scrutiny from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and international observers due to a lack of approved infrastructure. Currently, only one stadium in the country meets CAF standards, and recent home qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup had to be moved to neutral venues, raising doubts about immediate preparedness.

To address these concerns, Ethiopia is highlighting the construction of a new international stadium and sports complex in Addis Ababa, expected to be a centerpiece of the tournament. Beyond sporting facilities, a successful bid for a 24-team tournament requires substantial investment in transportation, accommodation, and training grounds. Critics have also pointed to security challenges and regional political unrest as potential obstacles. Ethiopia’s bid enters a competitive field, with a joint Southern African proposal from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe also in the works, following the 2027 tournament which is set to be hosted by East African neighbors Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

On the global stage, international football governance has seen a de-escalation of tensions as UEFA is set to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions. The shift follows assurances that FIFA has retracted a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and the executive committee are expected to formalize this decision in Monaco, ensuring that upcoming tournaments, including the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, will proceed with full European participation. While the boycott threat is being lifted, UEFA remains vocal about the need for continued reforms in FIFA’s governance and leadership.

These dual developments reflect a period of transition and ambition within the sport. While Ethiopia seeks to reclaim its status as a hub for African football through massive infrastructure projects, the resolution of the UEFA-FIFA dispute suggests a return to collaborative governance in the lead-up to major international fixtures. For Ethiopia, the coming months will be critical as CAF evaluates whether the country’s ambitious development plans can meet the rigorous demands of hosting the modern African game.