EWN
Botswana has officially withdrawn from the joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to Botswana newspaper Mmegi.
The decision leaves South Africa and Zimbabwe to continue with the bidding process with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Botswana’s withdrawal follows the government’s decision not to provide the financial guarantee required to support the country’s participation in the bid. The government cited financial constraints and said hosting the continental tournament is not currently among its priorities.
As a result, Botswana failed to submit the required bidding documents by the 14 September deadline, while South Africa and Zimbabwe proceeded with their submissions.
The original three-country proposal envisaged matches being staged in Gaborone and Francistown. The plan included using Francistown’s existing stadium infrastructure while renovation work was carried out at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
The arrangement was also expected to help reduce travel costs between venues.
The Botswana Football Association had previously argued that the financial guarantee was not required at the initial stage of the bidding process. However, the government’s position ultimately brought an end to Botswana’s involvement in the joint bid.
Botswana had previously expressed an interest in hosting the 2027 AFCON, but CAF eventually awarded the tournament to the joint bid from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
With Botswana now out of the 2028 race, South Africa and Zimbabwe will continue with their joint proposal. CAF will ultimately determine which country or joint bid is awarded the rights to host the 2028 tournament.
Further details on the remaining bids and the next stages of the process are expected from CAF.
