The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has submitted an official bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), backed by full governmental support.
In a statement confirming the submission, the EFF affirmed “the nation’s full readiness to host Africa’s biggest footballing event.” Ethiopia had originally targeted the 2029 tournament, but redirected its bid after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adopted a four-year tournament cycle starting in 2028.
Ethiopia previously staged the competition in 1962, winning its sole continental title on home soil, as well as in 1968 and 1976. However, major questions remain regarding whether the East African nation possesses sufficient infrastructure to meet modern hosting requirements.
CAF approved only one Ethiopian venue, the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, for international match use last season. While construction continues on the Adey Abeba National Stadium, several regional facilities currently fall short of CAF and FIFA standards for a 24-team tournament.
On the pitch, national team fortunes have also lagged. The Walia Ibex, currently ranked 143rd globally and 43rd in Africa, have qualified for the continental showpiece just three times since they last hosted half a century ago.
–ChannelAfrica–
