Botswana quit the 2028 AFCON hosting bid. Government officials refused to provide the required financial guarantees, leaving Zimbabwe and South Africa to continue alone. Bidding documents never reached CAF before the September 14 deadline due to this funding refusal.
Financial constraints took priority over tournament aspirations. Gaborone and Francistown venues are now off the table entirely. Remaining partners must restructure venue allocations and logistical arrangements without Botswana’s infrastructure or match distribution.
South Africa brings extensive experience from previous tournaments and the 2010 World Cup. Zimbabwe recently regained international match approval at its National Sports Stadium after renovations. Both countries submitted backed proposals before the extended deadline passed.
CAF will assess remaining venues and infrastructure before selecting hosts. Tournament staging demands major spending on stadiums, transport, security, and accommodation despite potential tourism benefits. Botswana previously missed the 2027 award to an East African joint bid.
Financial constraints took priority over tournament aspirations. Gaborone and Francistown venues are now off the table entirely. Remaining partners must restructure venue allocations and logistical arrangements without Botswana’s infrastructure or match distribution.
South Africa brings extensive experience from previous tournaments and the 2010 World Cup. Zimbabwe recently regained international match approval at its National Sports Stadium after renovations. Both countries submitted backed proposals before the extended deadline passed.
CAF will assess remaining venues and infrastructure before selecting hosts. Tournament staging demands major spending on stadiums, transport, security, and accommodation despite potential tourism benefits. Botswana previously missed the 2027 award to an East African joint bid.
