The Africa Cup of Nations 2025, hosted by Morocco, was expected to be a celebration of African football and unity. Instead, the tournament was accompanied by a series of troubling incidents that raised serious concerns about organization, ethics, and the safety and dignity of African participants and supporters.
From the early stages of the competition, fans arriving from different African countries reported difficulties related to ticket access, security management, and crowd control. Tickets sold out quickly on official platforms, while black-market resales surged at inflated prices. Despite this, several stadiums appeared partially empty, leaving many supporters unable to attend matches they had traveled far to see.
More concerning than logistical issues was the atmosphere surrounding the tournament. Multiple incidents highlighted a lack of professionalism and discipline around the matches, creating tension that went beyond sport and damaged the image of African football as a whole.
At the same time, a disturbing rise in racist rhetoric was observed on social media throughout the tournament. African fans, migrants, and dark-skinned individuals were subjected to hate speech, mockery, and dehumanizing language. Some online media outlets and digital platforms amplified divisive narratives rather than condemning them. This climate of hostility caused deep unease among African communities residing in Morocco, many of whom already face social and legal vulnerability.
Reports also emerged of violent incidents, including the death of an African national under tragic circumstances, as well as increasing arrests and fast-tracked prosecutions targeting African migrants. These developments raised serious questions about protection, equal treatment, and accountability during an event meant to represent African solidarity.
Football is more than a game—it is a shared cultural space that should promote respect, dignity, and unity. When racism, insecurity, and poor organization overshadow such a major tournament, it becomes necessary to pause and reflect.
These events compel African institutions and the international community to reassess standards of hosting, protection of human rights, and zero tolerance for racism. In this context, calls have emerged urging governing bodies to reconsider future hosting decisions unless concrete guarantees of safety, fairness, and inclusion are ensured.
The question now being asked across Africa and beyond is not emotional—it is legitimate:
Does Morocco truly deserve to host the 2030 World Cup?
