The Trophy of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 made a vibrant stop in Paris on Wednesday, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to the iconic Palais de Tokyo as the Diaspora Tour continued its European circuit.

The Paris event, marked by music, culture, and football flair, brought together former players, journalists, artists, and fans who gathered to celebrate what organisers described as “the energy of the continent, the passion of its communities, and the strong bond uniting supporters from here and elsewhere.”

The highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Trophy, welcomed with loud applause from hundreds of attendees who turned out to show solidarity and excitement for Africa’s premier football tournament.

As Morocco intensifies preparations for the 2025 edition, the Paris stop represents a key moment in building momentum among African communities in Europe.

The Diaspora Tour, which began in London, is designed to strengthen ties between the tournament and the millions of Africans living abroad, while amplifying anticipation ahead of kick-off.

Speaking to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), Omar Khyari, Advisor to the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), said the tour seeks to “bring together Africans living in Europe around the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”

He noted the “tremendous enthusiasm observed last week in London and this week in Paris,” adding that “in line with the Enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is preparing what will be the best edition in the history of AFCON,” with the FRMF fully mobilised under its president, Fouzi Lekjaa, to deliver a world-class tournament.

French journalist Hervé Penot, senior reporter for L’Équipe, echoed this optimism, praising Morocco’s readiness and the quality of its infrastructure. He said AFCON 2025 “could be one of the best ever organised on the continent,” highlighting Morocco’s rising stature as a football powerhouse in Africa.

The Paris showcase forms part of a broader continental effort to unite fans, generate excitement, and set the stage for what many observers believe could be one of the most memorable editions in AFCON history.

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Clubs will only be obliged to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations from December 15 – a week later than the standard international window – following a decision by FIFA on Wednesday ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

The African Nations Cup will run from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, leaving national teams less than a week to prepare once all players are available, in what is likely to be another logistical challenge for coaches and organisers at the continent’s flagship international competition.

FIFA said the shortened release period, the same approach used for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was agreed after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and other stakeholders to “reduce the impact on various parties”, without elaborating.

The 2025 window of the men’s UEFA Champions League runs until December 10.

The governing body added that national federations and clubs involved in continental tournaments over the release period are being encouraged to hold bilateral talks to agree “appropriate individual solutions” where scheduling conflicts arise.

If disputes persist, FIFA said it would act as a mediator.

Reuters

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The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has hosted African ambassadors accredited to Rabat for a high-level briefing on preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with officials expressing confidence that Morocco is on course to deliver one of the tournament’s best-ever editions.

The meeting, held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, was chaired by FRMF President and head of the AFCON 2025 Local Organising Committee, Fouzi Lekjaa.

He presented a detailed update on Morocco’s readiness, stressing that the Kingdom is approaching the continental showpiece with a “global vision” inspired by the High Directives of King Mohammed VI.

The meeting in session

Lekjaa said Morocco’s planning reflects the country’s deep African identity—both through bilateral partnerships and its broader commitment to collective continental development. He added that the success of AFCON 2025 “will not only be a Moroccan achievement, but a triumph for the whole of Africa.”

Diplomats from various African nations welcomed the progress report, commending what they described as strong coordination and complementarity between Moroccan institutions involved in the project. They noted that the Kingdom’s approach provides “solid guarantees” for a successful and seamlessly organised tournament.

To further strengthen collaboration, Lekjaa announced the establishment of a dedicated communication and follow-up unit linking the Local Organising Committee with African diplomatic missions.

The new structure will streamline administrative processes and support countries with travel, accommodation, and other logistical needs for their teams.

The ambassadors also praised Morocco’s rapid transformation and upgrading of sports infrastructure, alongside the efficient mobilisation of government agencies and stakeholders.

These advances, they said, demonstrate that the country is on track to stage an “exceptional” edition of the Africa Cup of Nations and set a new benchmark for major continental sporting events.

Closing the session, Lekjaa reaffirmed that AFCON 2025 is “the competition of the entire African continent,” and pledged Morocco’s full commitment to delivering a tournament that reflects African ambitions and aligns with the Royal vision.

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