Motsepe: "We Welcome the World and Africa Here to Showcase Beautiful Football... Thank You, Morocco"

Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), officially announced the launch of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, extending a message of gratitude to the Kingdom's leadership and people.

Motsepe began his address by stating: "On behalf of the African Union and the 54 countries under its umbrella, I want to thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the Moroccan government and people, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and my brother Fouzi Lekjaa, for their contributions to football and their love for the Moroccan and African people."

He added: "I thank my brother Gianni Infantino, who brought the World Cup back to Africa in 2030 through Morocco. Today, we welcome the world and the entire African people here to showcase the most beautiful football and the best players on the continent and in the world. As the Confederation of African Football, we are committed to using football to unite our people of different races, backgrounds, and religions in Africa and worldwide."

Motsepe also lauded the historic achievement of the "Atlas Lions," considering it a source of pride for the continent. He said: "The Moroccan national team made the Moroccan and African people proud in Qatar 2022, as the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals."

Motsepe concluded his speech by declaring: "On behalf of the members of the African Union, I officially announce the launch of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Thank you, Morocco; thank you, Africa."