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Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Bid for Afcon 2032

BBC Sport Football •
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Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, nations currently led by military governments, have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. This submission follows the Confederation of African Football (Caf) opening applications for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions of the tournament.

The Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) stated the bid emphasizes "solidarity, regional integration and sustainable development of African football." The three countries, which recently formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after leaving the West African regional bloc Ecowas, aim to present a "solid, credible bid."

Despite concerns over the unstable security situation and the countries' shifting allegiances towards Russia, Caf president Patrice Motsepe indicated that the joint bid will be considered fairly. "They are not going to be disadvantaged or prejudiced by the fact that they are military juntas," Motsepe said, though he acknowledged that "safety and security" are critical issues that will need to be addressed. He plans to visit the countries to discuss football matters. Both Burkina Faso and Mali have hosted Afcon previously, and the 2028 edition will see an expansion to 28 teams.