The Confederation of African football (CAF) has officially postponed the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from its original 2024 schedule to August 2025, as announced on January 14, 2025. This highly anticipated tournament will now take place across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with CAF citing the need for additional time to ensure that all necessary infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, meets international standards.CAF President Dr.Patrice Motsepe commended the host nations for their progress and leadership in preparing for the event. Despite the delay, the draw for the tournament is set to proceed as planned on January 15, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Nairobi time, with further details on the competition’s start date to be revealed later.For more information, visit the official CAF website here.
Time.news Interview: Postponement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 to August 2025
Editor: Today, we discuss an crucial growth in African football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from 2024 to August 2025. To provide insights, we’re joined by Dr.James Mwangi, a sports economist and expert in African sports infrastructure. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Mwangi.
Dr. Mwangi: it’s a pleasure to be here, thank you for having me!
Editor: Can you give us a summary of the reasons behind the postponement of CHAN?
Dr. Mwangi: Certainly. the primary reason cited by CAF for this postponement is the need for additional time to ensure that all necessary infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, meets international standards. This is crucial not only for the event’s success but also for the overall development of sports in the host nations: Kenya,Tanzania,and Uganda. Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CAF President, emphasized the progress made by these nations in their preparations, which is commendable.
Editor: What impact do you think this postponement will have on the participating teams and players?
Dr. Mwangi: The delay may have significant implications for team compositions and rosters, as many players’ status can change over such an extended period. This can affect not only the teams’ current lineups but also potential injuries, transfers, and emerging talents. Teams will need to adapt to these changes and draft strategies accordingly. Additionally, the anticipation may increase as fans and players will now have a longer wait for the tournament.
Editor: The tournament draw is still set to proceed as planned. Why is this important despite the postponement?
Dr. Mwangi: The draw is a critical aspect of any international tournament as it sets the stage for matchups and is essential for fans,sponsors,and teams. It allows participating nations to focus on their preparation and gives an idea of what to expect going forward. The january 15 draw will maintain momentum and excitement for the tournament,even amid delays.
Editor: From a financial viewpoint, how could this delay affect the stakeholders involved, including the host nations?
Dr. Mwangi: Delaying a major event like CHAN can have mixed financial implications.On one hand, it gives countries more time to enhance their infrastructure, potentially leading to greater long-term economic benefits through improved facilities. However, on the other hand, it may also lead to increased costs with sponsors, hospitality, and travel arrangements needing adjustments. The delay could also impact engagement with potential sponsors who may reevaluate their contributions based on the new timeline.
editor: What practical advice would you give to the host nations during this postponement period?
Dr.Mwangi: It’s crucial for the host nations to use this additional time wisely. They should focus on meeting international standards for their facilities while also considering the broader economic and social benefits of hosting such a tournament. Engaging with local communities and stakeholders, maintaining a transparent communication line with fans and sponsors, and ensuring that the infrastructure meets the expected timeline can help mitigate any negative consequences.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mwangi, for sharing your insights on the postponement of CHAN. It will be interesting to see how this develops moving forward as we approach the tournament date in August 2025.
Dr. Mwangi: Thank you for having me. I look forward to witnessing how the preparations unfold and the eventual impact on African football as a whole.
For further details on the CHAN 2024 postponement, visit the official CAF announcement here.